Roots and Wings December 2022-January 2023

At Roots & Wings, there’s never an issue more anticipated than Christmas. Christmas is a time for giving, a season for rejoicing. And every Roots & Wings publication is just that – an opportunity to give, a season to rejoice over inspiring Filipinos at home and abroad.

This Christmas, Europe-based Rawmags is crossing continents to root for Kurt Tijamo, Filipino American baritone and songwriter together with the celebrated Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO) whose recent California concert solemnised the Splendor of Christmas.

Back home, the 15th Belenismo sa Tarlac has become more than symbols of hope. They do give hope just like the Museo Pambata that is re-imagining for the Filipino child and childhood.

Across Europe, Christmas markets bring back the shimmer of winter nights alongside Paskong Pinoy celebrations in Norway, the 65th SwissPinoy enduring relationship and a year of Rawmags’ sponsored effort towards the education of Filipino youth in Negros and Palawan.

Finally, we asked our Team what else could we give you?

For a great start in 2023, click on the European job links and who knows, you may just find the dream job you’ve been praying for.

It’s been another great year, advancing our resolute, ingenious commitment to Roots & Wings’ mission to serve the Filipino-European community and beyond. It has brought us boundless joy and success.

Wishing you all a meaningful Christmas and a New Year packed with blessings!

Switzerland

Betsy Jance von Atzigen

From the Editor

Roots&Wings

Gloria Hernandez Grejalde CULTURAL EDITOR PHILIPPINES

Rebecca Urbancik Garcia ASSOCIATE EDITOR GERMANY/CZ

Aimee Alado -Blake

Cipriano

Jeffrey Cabuay

Katrina Larida BUREAU EDITOR SWEDEN

Jennifer Fergesen BUREAU EDITOR ICELAND

Lyndy Bagares

Myla Arceno BUREAU EDITOR, UNITED KINGDOM

Anton Miguel D. De Vera HEAD OF SOCMED AUSTRIA

Donna Patricia Manio LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Becky Torres

Daniel Ceeline Ramonal

Mary

Donna Avellana Künzler BUREAU EDITOR SWITZERLAND

Ieth Inolino Idzerda BUREAU EDITOR, THE NETHERLANDS

Betsy Jance von Atzigen EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Rachel Hansen FOUNDER/PUBLISHER SWEDEN

Marthy Angue ASSOCIATE EDITOR PHILIPPINES

Ralph Chan BUREAU EDITOR AUSTRIA

Marizel

Luz

BUREAU EDITOR NORWAY

Siobhan Doyle BUREAU CO-EDITOR, UNITED KINGDOM

IETH INOLINO IDZERDA

BUREAU EDITOR, THE NETHERLANDS

Ieth Inolino Idzerda has been living in Amsterdam for the past six years. Her Journalism degree from the University of the Philippines led to a career in lifestyle journalism and editorial styling in Manila with her works being published in glossies and broadsheets. She also dabbled in commercial styling for advertising, film, and television. Her dream project is to write and illustrate modern children’s books.

Taking #supportlocal to a global level, she co-founded Mithi & Co., a giftingplatform that enables Filipinos abroad to send thoughtfully curated, impactful, and proudly Pinoy gifts to their loved ones in the Philippines. Next to this, she works in sales for a SaaS company in Amsterdam.

She has a theory that Filipinos who moved abroad are more patriotic than when they were living in the Philippines. Do you agree?

Contents

COVER STORY

Kurt Tijamo p6

FASO and The Splendor of Christmas p7

ART

Demystifying CEAN A conversation with Christian Neuenschwander p8

BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURS

Cansi in Berlin p11 Amsterdam, the Atelier of Filipinas in Fashion p14

CULTURE

Re-imagining for the Filipino child and childhood Museo Pambata reopens to the public p17 Gays and lesbians are silently tolerated An interview with Katharina Kacerovsky-Strobl p22

CHRISTMAS FEATURE

Symbols of Hope p25 The Weihnachtsmarkt p28 Paskong Pinoy 2022: A Choral Festival in Oslo p30

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

65 years of Philippine-Swiss Connections: An Enduring Relationship p32

DIRECTORY

Philippine Embassies in Europe p37

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Roots & Wings’ Social Entrepreneurship - A Year Since Its Launch p40

JOBS

RawmagsJOBwing p42

Kurt Tijamo

Text by Edith Winterhalter and Betsy von Atzigen

Wunderkind Filipino American baritone and songwriter Kurt Tijamo distinguishes himself at home and abroad by the intense diversity of his performances in opera and musical theater.

His deep voice, songwriting skills and manifold talents command a strong following that understands and appreciates the Philippines, the Filipino diaspora in the United States of America, in Europe and elsewhere.

Kurt is paving the way for his generation of young musicians to shine. And shine did he anew, in a recent concert of the celebrated Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO) titled “The Splendor of Christmas” at a downtown theater in Los Angeles.

Watch him take his listeners deep into a magical, artistic world, in versatile roles ranging from Don Giovanni in Mozart’s Don Giovanni and Alidoro in Rossini’s La Cenerentola, to Horton the Elephant in Stephen Flaherty’s Seussical the Musical and Cinderella’s Prince in Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods.

He is a classically trained baritone with a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from San

Francisco Conservatory of Music, a Bachelor’s degree in Music from California State University Northridge and trained in intensive master class programs in France, Germany, and Prague.

Kurt has featured as a soloist of Santa Clarita Master Chorale and the Sacramento Choral Society & Orchestra.

As a singer-songwriter, he has

performed on Wish USA Bus, Tropang LOL, and Net25 Letters and Music Online. His latest single, “U & Me” (produced by Curve Entertainment), is available on all platforms including Spotify and Apple Music under @kurttijamomusic .

Roots & Wings is a platform for rising stars among the new generation of Filipinos at home and abroad.

Kurt Tijamo, photo by Rick Gavino

FASO and The Splendor of Christmas

Text by Edith Winterhalter

On December 3, 2022, the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO) performed “The Splendor of Christmas” concert at the Aratani Theater in downtown Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. Featuring new arrangements of favorite Western and Filipino songs, FASO once again delivered a unique musical experience to the delight of its new and long-time supporters in the community.

History of FASO

In 2008, a group of musicians and community leaders founded FASO in recognition of the necessity to celebrate through music the booming Filipino American community. Guided by the passion to cultivate musical artistry and to present the unique cultural heritage of Filipinos, FASO, led by its musical director Robert Shroder, made its debut on May 17, 2009, at the historic Saban Theater in Beverly Hills, California. Since then, FASO has gone on to perform at many venues and events across California, twice performing at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in 2019 and 2022. In 2020, FASO launched its global presence by collaborating with musicians and artists from the Philippines and across the globe and producing virtual concerts and performances that reached Filipinos in diaspora.

Awards and Recognition

With its diverse body of musicians from all walks of life, FASO continues to embrace, redefine and celebrate its multicultural musical leg-

acy. FASO has received multiple awards for its work: the National Federation of Filipino American Associations Trailblazer Award for uplifting future generations of Filipino Americans and the global Filipino community in 2019; the Los Angeles City Council recognition of FASO for its “great contribution to the City of Los Angeles” in 2018; and the Historical Heritage Excellence Award from the San Diego Filipino American Humanitarian Foundation in 2016.

FASO Music Education Programs

In 2016, FASO launched its Education & Outreach Program, which empowers new generations of Filipino Americans to develop love and pride in their music and cultural identities. FASO’s music education program includes instrumental, songwriting, vocal, and Philippine music appreciation workshops and is open to all. In 2018, the program introduced an annual International Composition Competition for Philippine Folk Music, which challenges emerging composers to incorporate Philippine folk music material in their work. That same year, the

orchestra established its College Scholarship for high school seniors.

In September 2018, the Education & Outreach Program founded the FASO Youth String Ensemble, which serves over 40 young musicians from underserved communities between the ages of 8 and 15. Ensemble members are eligible to receive free access to instrumentsand affordable. Ensemble graduates to the FASO Junior Orchestra that debuted in 2022 at FASO’s “Celebration!” concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, California.

FASO Quinceañera

In 2023, FASO will celebrate its fifteenth season with a wide array of performances designed to reach not only its local community but also the communities around the world, such as a spring dance, a summer concert honoring Filipino musical legends, and a virtual winter concert. In addition, FASO is also working on releasing select recordings of its past performances for the enjoyment of its patrons and supporters.

The Filipino American Symphony Orchestra, photo courtesy of Rick Gavino

SWITZERLAND

DEMYSTIFYING CEAN A conversation with Christian Neuenschwander

Christian is half-Filipino and half-Swiss. He creates objects, paintings, drawings, and music. We met through his mother Menchu Asuncion Neuenschwander, who is one of my core Filipino friends in Zurich. Last year, I was fortunate enough to attend Christian’s first solo exhibit, “CEAN.” Seeing his work from that exhibit has left me curious, intrigued, and very impressed. Let’s get to know Christian more and see what we can find out.

First things first – What does CEAN mean? CEAN is my initials. It stands for Christian Eduard Asuncion Neuenschwander.

Now that we have demystified that, please tell me more about yourself. My name is Christian Neuenschwander, born 1980 in Zürich, Switzerland, son of Menchu Asuncion Neuenschwander and Eduard Neuenschwander. I grew up in an artistic surrounding with my father being a renowned architect and my mother

Interview by Donna Künzler with images from Christian

being a fashion icon, an inspiration to many people and a fantastic cook.

As far back as I can remember, it always felt natural to work with my imagination and senses. I just love to create and craft things. My professional background is Graphic Design, specialized in branding and illustration.

I have worked in several agencies in Zürich and New York and have been running my own studio for the last 13 years. Along the way I have picked up photography and learned how to play and produce music as well. I also started skateboarding as a young kid which kept me moving, and still does. It is a huge part of me, and a great source of inspiration and motivation. Skateboarding and snowboarding opened a lot of doors for me to contribute my design work too. Nowadays I focus on my art where I feel all my experience can come to fruition.

Please tell me about your journey in becoming an artist. Did you always want to be one?

Ever since I was a child, I liked using my imagination to create things and I loved drawing because I could turn any fantasy into an image on paper. My parents also inspired me to observe the wonders of nature and to pay attention to its details. I would spend hours looking at for example an insect and then try to capture every little detail of it in a drawing. For me taking a close look at things, was like exploring new places. Then fast forward to being a teenager having to choose a direction for a future career, I went for graphic design.

For some reason becoming an artist never came to mind even though our house was full of art and a lot of family friends were artists. Nobody ever told me “Study fine art, become an artist, do exhibitions". For me an artist was always just this manic person that didn't have the ability or choice other than to express himself through his art and by chance somebody would then discover the genius in the artist's work or not.

So, I stuck with graphic design as "a

real job" and only a few years ago I felt the urge to turn inward and explore my true desires and needs and that was to create things again with my hands other than sitting in front of a screen.

At that time, I was working on a corporate design for a Japanese high-end restaurant and my task for the logo was a calligraphy sign, the word "Shin", four brush strokes, simple I thought but the more I indulged in the process, the more I realized how much life, soul and determination was needed to accomplish it. It took me about four hundred sheets of paper full of tries until I got it right. These four “simple” brush strokes opened a whole new world to me, and I knew I wanted to explore this craft of just working with a brush, ink, and paper. Very Zen. I didn't proceed with exploring calligraphy, but I wanted to create something for myself that would teach me about my inner being and at the same time carry my learnings in it. From there on I focused on pure and personal creation which today I finally may feel comfortable to call as "art."

r f y

form

How would you describe your style? What was your inspiration? What’s the story behind it?

In the process of exploring Japanese ink on paper, I had all those lines and abstract forms and I felt like, if I'd add something like a face to it, these creations will come to life. Any form or stroke which originated out of my soul or intuition would become a being. It suddenly all made sense to me. It felt like I would breathe life into it. I then added the most minimal gesture to create a face, a simple beak, and a dot as an eye. From there on, again a whole new world of possibilities opened for me. I could explore whatever craft, form or technique and a new being would evolve, I was totally freed from any style, discipline or medium. I would create life!... or at least a representation of it. That excited me a lot and still does!

How would you like people to react to your work? What message if any, do you want to convey with your work?

I would like to inspire people to look at things unbiased and to pay attention to what emotion, feeling or phan-

tasy appears. If you just see a weird looking bird in my art, you might not be quite there yet. Free yourself.

What’s your creative process like? I like to pick a technique or medium that intrigues me and while exploring it, I try to be led by my intuition and abilities without wanting to master it too much. I want it to be free and spontaneous. Naive in the best case. Another big aspect in the process is to school my intuition in recognizing which work of mine has a quality and which one doesn't.

What surprised you the most in being an artist or the art industry? That people would actually buy my art. My first solo exhibition totally sold out! I was overwhelmed and utterly grateful.

What’s keeping you busy nowadays? Any upcoming shows/exhibits?

I'm painting a lot right now and planning to exhibit here in Zürich and in Copenhagen.

Any

or stroke which originated out of my soul or intuition would become a being

Cansi in Berlin

Text by Jennifer Fergesen Images by Pinoy and Jennifer Fergesen

The Global Carinderia — Exploring the Filipino diaspora through the food we share Berlin wears monochrome in the winter. Crows roost in the leafless trees, gray post-war buildings cast long shadows, the people swath themselves in black — and indulge in the blunt, testy attitude known as “Berliner Schnauze” (Berlin snout). On brief December days, the door to Pinoy, a Filipino restaurant in the quiet Charlottenburg neighborhood, feels like a portal to a warmer, softer world.

The plants arrested my attention first. They lined the entranceway and clustered on shelves and tables, thriving despite the dark and cold outside. In the background, echoing the variegated greens, a panorama of the rice terraces of Banaue wrapped along the back wall. Pops of pink appeared among the verdure: an orchid blossom, a knob of rose quartz, an ombre barong tagalog on the mannequin that stands watchfully in the corner. If it had a face, it would have faced the Filipino family singing karaoke at a long table decorated with balloons and streamers. “Tita, can we have more fried shrimp?” a young woman called in Tagalog.

When the server, chef, owner, and sole employee Rosalinda Nolasco-Jecht had time for me, I ordered cansi. I hadn’t had it since a 2019 visit to the legendary Pat Pat’s Kansi in Manila —

my last visit to the city, before the pandemic drew a curtain around the country. It arrived in a little metal cookpot, like something that might hang from a hook over an open fire, with rice in an antique soup tureen. The sabaw was bright as sunset — a warmer, later sunset than the colorless subsidence then sapping the light from the street outside.

It was my first time seeing cansi

ABOVE Pinoy is located on a quiet street in Berlin’s Charlottenburg neighborhood. —PINOY BELOW

Rosalinda Nolasco-Jecht, left, here pictured with her daughter, is the chef and owner of Pinoy restaurant in Berlin. —PINOY

TOP RIGHT

Chef Rosalinda Nolasco-Jecht says she can only make dishes like pusit kangkong when she finds the ingredients. —PINOY

outside of the Philippines, and it’s far from the only regional specialty on the menu. Pinoy’s speisekarte stretches to a formidable 15 pages, with an introductory essay at the front to explain the disparate origins of Filipino cuisine. The illustrated pages include Ilonggo laswa (vegetable stew), Aklan-style binakol (chicken soup cooked in coconut water), and Chinese-Filipino dishes like humba and tausi dotted with fermented black soybeans, among dozens of others.

Life in Munich was good at first. Rosalinda’s new husband had a successful real estate and construction business, so she didn’t need to find a job in her new country. They had two daughters and she legally adopted her stepson. In 1999, the family moved to Berlin, an ideal place to work in construction as the once-divided city rebuilt itself into a unified capital. But things changed when her husband began to show signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

He became forgetful and prone to outbursts, unable to manage the physical labor his business required. Money dried up. To keep the family afloat, Rosalinda began working as a house cleaner. “I cleaned houses everywhere

here in Berlin,” she said. “I think I know everywhere in the city already.” While she worked, her children stayed at home with their rapidly declining father. Sometimes, he would make so much noise that neighbors would call the police, and Rosalinda had to stop her work to go home. “I would find my daughters crying. It broke my heart,” she said.

Before he succumbed to the disease, Rosalinda’s husband helped her sell an apartment she owned in Munich, which left her enough money to start her own business. She considered opening a plant shop — she has loved gardening since her girlhood — but decided that a Filipino restaurant would be the best way for her to “do something for my country,” she said. Pinoy opened about four years before her husband died.

Other than a brief stint working as a waitress in a Thai restaurant, Rosalinda had no prior food business experience and admits that she still isn’t sure about the best way to run things. With no employees and a home-cooking approach to prep, she can only manage three or four groups at a time; any more and her guests might end up waiting two hours for their food. During

TOP LEFT

Sinigang na hipon, a popular dish among Filipino guests. —PINOY

my second visit, I saw her turn away some guests despite plenty of open tables, explaining that she couldn’t take any more than the seven people already inside. “I feel like a turtle,” she said. “A turtle walks so slow and has to stop, because the turtle is old, and then walks again. I feel like that.”

When I remind her that it’s the turtle who wins the race against the hare, she laughs. “And now I really feel like that turtle in the story,” she said. “The Germans know my dishes and they're coming here, and the Filipinos are happy — they call me tita, ate — so I’m happy.”

She’s even had a moment of television fame: Last year, Rosalinda appeared on the German edition of “Kitchen Impossible,” which has a different structure than the harrowing English version: It involves chronically stressed celebrity chef Tim Mälzer learning to cook new dishes with restaurateurs from around the country. At Pinoy, Mälzer made pork humba with the traditional accouterments of dried lily flowers, pineapple, and fermented beans — though he called it “adobo” and claimed it came out too salty.

Rosalinda’s humba is fine-tuned to the equilibrium between sweet and sa-

vory, is worth the wait. It’s one of the most popular dishes among Rosalinda’s German customers, along with Filipino-style curry and extra-spicy Bicol Express. Her regulars kept ordering their favorites for takeaway when the dining room closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to keep the restaurant open during Germany’s strict lockdowns.

“And my family is proud of me,” Rosalinda continues. She said her daughters were embarrassed to admit that their mother was a “Putzfrau” during the decade she supported them that way. “Now, they can say I have a restaurant.”

Her children are all adults now, and she has a four-year-old granddaughter. When I visited the restaurant on a Monday, Rosalinda’s day off, her granddaughter had the run of the place. She ate pancakes cut into heart shapes and chattered to me in a mixture of English and German, her mouth ringed with Nutella. “She thinks she’s speaking English when she’s speaking German, and German when she’s speaking English,” Rosalinda said.

“Are you proud of your oma?” I asked her. “Ja,” she said, and took another bite.

TOP LEFT

Bicol Express, one of Pinoy’s most popular dishes among German guests. —PINOY

TOP RIGHT

Germany is as fond of fried pork knuckles (there called Schweinshaxe) as the Philippines, so crispy pata is a popular entree at Pinoy. —PINOY

THE NETHERLANDS

Amsterdam, the Atelier of Filipinas in Fashion

Text by Krisha Valle, images by Dre Baybay and Christine Canio

Drè Baybay (24) and Christine Canio (29) are two Filipinas aspiring to make a name for themselves in the fashion industry. Although they have their own unique journey, their paths converge in the city they chose to walk in, Amsterdam. Drè was born and raised in Cavite before moving to Amsterdam in 2021, while Christine was born in the Philippines and was raised in Amsterdam after moving at the age of 10.

Drè, despite always having a passion for creating and a desire to innovate, didn’t step into fashion until later in her life. Stability and practicality were her first priorities, however, not wanting to stray too far from her Drèams, architecture became a good compromise. Luckily, being a student at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde only peaked her passion for fashion. It was in her second year of college when she knew that upon graduating, she would pursue fashion, textile studies in particular. “Art school in college opened up my expressive and my creative side. My experiences in a more progressive place allowed me to make peace with that inner child that wanted that comfort. And now, I can slowly see myself as a transwoman. I realized that by being true to myself, I can thrive. I made this declaration to live as authentically

as possible,” recalls Drè. Finally, in 2021, she moved to Amsterdam to join the TextileLab institution.

As for Christine’s story, her curiosity for fashion began as she watched her grandmother sew and tailor clothes. With the help of her grandmother, she started learning how to make clothes and Barbie became her first client. Unfortunately, upon moving to Amsterdam and similar to Drè, she had to choose stability and practicality over passion. It wasn’t until 2015 that she decided to try her hand at sewing again. She then enrolled herself into a fashion tailoring course at the ROC. However, upon finishing her first year, she had to stop to focus on caring for her newborn son. The following years of nurturing and providing for her son has become pertinent to her now tenacious attitude in pursuing fashion. Six years later, in 2021, she made a commitment to go back and finish what she started at ROC. “Hindi ko talaga in-expect na ito [fashion] ang gagawin ko talaga. Ang daming nangyari sa buhay ko so naging mahirap mag-desisyon. Pero na-realize ko talaga na dito ako magaling at dito ako happy,” shares Christine.

Studying Fashion in Amsterdam

Drè is studying at the TextileLab Amsterdam

LEFT Dré Baybay at a fashion design studio in Amsterdam

RIGHT Christine Canio

where she received a scholarship for their 2-year course. The TextileLab is a design institution whose goal is to bridge the gap between textiles and technology and bring innovation to the slowly changing fashion industry. Amsterdam, through TextileLab, has allowed Drè’s desire for innovation to flourish. “There is a more diverse and inclusive platform for innovation here. My goal is to be part of the solution rather than to be a contribution to the systems [of fashion industry],” says Drè. Being in Europe, in Amsterdam, and in an institution that carries similar values to hers, has allowed her to curate, day and night, a tangible view of what a Drè Baybay brand stands for.

Christine, on the other hand, is pursuing an MBO in fashion tailoring at the ROC Amsterdam. Her goal is to learn all aspects of fashion as what she loves about the industry is the myriad of branches she can choose from. Christine’s priority is to create or style clothing in a way that prioritizes the client. “I don’t want to be flashy in fashion. Yung gusto ko is maging comfortable and confident sa clothes,” says Christine. She believes that by collecting knowledge from the different branches of fashion, she can achieve this goal. Alongside her studies, she interns at Petra de Jonge’s studio in Amsterdam. Petra is a highly accomplished and coveted designer, whose values are in line with that of Christine’s. It is for this reason that Christine sought out for Petra’s mentoring through an internship. Like Christine, Petra prioritizes the client and makes clothes for the people, “body optimizing design through smart lines is an important part of my brand value”. Through theoretical learning in ROC and the practical experiences with Petra de Jonge, Christine is slowly collecting what she needs in order to feel confident in her skills as a fashion student.

Future in Fashion

So, what’s next for these two Filipinas in fashion? Drè wants to continue living life as authentically as she can and that means building the Drè Baybay brand through a bottom-up process. Finally, what she hopes one day is to work alongside, Dutch designer, Iris Van Herpen. Iris is known for her ability to fuse

technology with traditional haute couture into her designs. Inspired by her innovations, Drè states “I don’t see myself working for any other fashion house except for hers.”

As for Christine, she’s set to finish the second level of her MBO in spring and has applied to a fashion design course for her third level of MBO at ROC. However, she also has the option of pursuing a fashion styling course at the Vogue Academy. Generally, Christine desires to learn and hone every skill she could possibly need to succeed in the fashion industry, “Ang gusto ko talaga is matutunan lahat ng pwede kong aralin para sa fashion.”

Krisha Valle is 22 years old, born in Manila but lived her formative years in Hanoi, Vietnam. She is in the final year of her studies at the University of Amsterdam where she majors in Organizational Psychology with a minor in Conflict Studies.

ative tional

@krishavalle

Designer Christine Canio, Amsterdam

Designer Dré Baybay, Amsterdam

RE-IMAGINING FOR THE FILIPINO CHILD AND CHILDHOOD

Museo Pambata reopens to the public

and images by Museo Pambata

Museo Pambata, the country’s first interactive children's museum, finally reopened its doors its doors to the public last September 25, 2022, in celebration of Family Thanksgiving Day. (Executive Order № 241).

After two years of being closed because of the pandemic, the museum has been greatly affected. While it has been challenging to sustain museum operations amidst the pandemic, the reopening is a testament to the museum’s commitment to nurture, protect and empower the Filipino community by providing safe spaces for play & learning.

Launch of the Re-Imagining

The reopening day of Museo Pambata marked the launch of a three-year timeline of the RE-IMAGINING Project. The holistic revamp involves the organizational, structural, re-curatorial and programs innovation guided by the leadership of the Museum President, Bambi Mañosa-Tanjutco, Executive Director, Micah Sofia Pinto and Museum Curator, Dayang Yraola.

As we say it takes a village to raise a child, it would take a greater village to raise a community of children. The reopening is an invitation for collaborators, partners, patrons, and donors to support the rebuilding of the museum.

Re-opening

With the Museo’s re-imagining project en-

Text

compassing the re-curatorial, only the ground floor galleries will remain to be accessible. Visitors can expect to create new memories in new spaces and installations. These are the Bahay Pukyutan (design inspiration from National Artist, Arch. Bobby Mañosa), Arts and Crafts area (designed by Robert Alejandro), “PLAYTIME PARADISO”, Installation of Tyang Karyel (exhibited during 2022 Art Fair Philippines), and the updated Batang Bayani wall (designed by Rap Eya). Also, part of the new spaces is the “Batang Katutubo” installation in the Kalikasan room which was finished in 2019 right before the announcement of the first lockdown in the Philippines. National Artist Kidlat Tahimik’s exhibition from Spain was mounted in Museo Pambata as part of a Manila citywide exhibit.

Schedule and Rates

Following the reopening, the new schedule and rates for the rest of 2022 were announced. Museo Pambata is now open to the public every Friday-Sunday, 10AM to 5PM and has 2 types of days:

Open House (Fridays) Tour the ground floor galleries at your own pace and access to the Bahay Pukyutan playground. Rate is 300 pesos per head.

Playshop (Saturdays and Sundays) Participate in 2 workshops/activities, tour the ground floor galleries at your own pace, and access to the Bahay Pukyutan playground. Rate is 450 pesos per head.

For the active and sporty Smartwatch

A smartwatch makes an excellent Christmas gift and a great daily companion for the active and sporty. It typically has a local touchscreen interface, GPS, media management, and fitness tracking apps. Its smart functions can record your heart rate and other vital signs. With long battery life, a smartwatch can get through a long day with you with plenty of juice to spare.

Smartwatches for specific-use cases such as hiking, diving, and extreme sports are more durable and often offer more robust versions of fitness apps.

guide

ideas

experience

2For the coffee lover Coffee maker

Home brewing has become the new coffee run for many people nowadays. Imagine that lovely coffee aroma in our home, the convenience of having brewed coffee whenever we like, and the savings a coffee maker offers a coffee lover. With a wide variety of coffee makers, coffee lovers are in for a treat.

For the

5hubby, boyfie

Rechargeable hair grooming kit

Help the man in your life keep up his grooming and styling at home. Grooming kits may include razors, shavers, beard and nose hair trimmers, clippers, tweezers, cuticle pushers, combs, and a bag to keep everything organized at home and for travel.

9

For your workaholic boss Scented candles

Give your boss--and yourself--a break with a gift of scented candles. Aromatherapy uses the sense of smell to send signals directly to the brain's limbic system, which affects a person's emotions and memory. It is often used to relax or energize a person. All's well in the world when your boss is in a good mood, right?

6For the advocate of worthy causes Donation to a worthy cause in your friend's name

Believe us that this will make the heart of your volunteer or cause-oriented friend swell with happiness. Regardless of the amount, this gift may mean more than you can imagine as it will not only make your friend happy, but it may also serve as a spark to trigger lasting and sustainable differences in other people's lives. Before you do this, however, find out what causes or organizations your friend supports and choose to donate to one of them.

3For the significant

other Personalized night lamp

An acrylic night lamp can be an extraordinary gift that symbolizes your love when you have it customized based on your significant one's preferences or special moments. Choose lamps that offer stunning lighting and color-changing effects. Have your favorite couple's photo engraved on the acrylic surface or have your names engraved on the wooden base for an extra-personal touch.

For the office bestie Multifunctional laptop sleeve

Is it a bag? An organizer? A laptop stand? All of the above? For someone who spends most of the day with a computer, a work essentials organizer that doubles as a portable workspace can be a life-saving grace from the clutter that sometimes gets in the way of focused work. Arm your office bestie and send her off to save the world one purposeful day at a time.

In a year that burns hot and cold with an often muddy middle ground, we finally come into the season of reflection, an opportunity to marshal all our small and big victories, and mold them into a spirit of joyful and grateful giving to inspire our loved ones to live their best lives in the new months ahead. The air feels lighter, the colors seem brighter, and smiles are wider--but smiles show teeth because it is also a season

for hunting the right gifts for the special people in our lives. For many it is exciting. For some it is exhausting.

To those who wish to take it easier or who would prefer not-so-common yet meaningful gifts to friends, families, and colleagues, we offer a solution: a carefully considered gift guide featuring 12 unique and alternative gift ideas. HERE WE GO.

7

For the significant other

Personalized night lamp

An acrylic night lamp can be an extraordinary gift that symbolizes your love when you have it customized based on your significant one's preferences or special moments. Choose lamps that offer stunning lighting and color-changing effects. Have your favorite couple's photo engraved on the acrylic surface or have your names engraved on the wooden base for an extra-personal touch.

8

For the movie lover Portable mini projector

A portable movie projector combines the convenience of a phone or tablet with the big-screen appeal of a television. A projector is compact enough to carry from room to room, requires less space, and has built-in streaming apps and rechargeable batteries for hassle-free binge-watching.

12

10For the one who plans to start a family MyMaxicare HMO plan for Individuals and Families

Starting a family can be daunting. How about making sure that you get to enjoy maximum care with minimum worry through a full-coverage, full-risk healthcare program tailored for individuals and families? Primary healthcare to battle the uncertainties of life -- what a meaningful gift!

11For the adventurous traveler Maxicare EReady Advance, a Medical Emergency Prepaid Health Card

Do you know someone who loves to go on adventures? Because life can be full of surprises, an ideal gift for such a friend is to help this person be ready for any eventuality. Maxicare’s EREady Advance prepaid health card offers medical emergency coverage with confinement plus unlimited consultations in all Maxicare Primary Care Clinics.

For your senior loved ones PRIMA Gold, a prepaid health card for individuals aged 60 and up

PRIMA Silver, a prepaid health card for individuals aged up to 59. Give a family love from the start with a healthcare plan offering unlimited lab tests and consultations with an obstetrician, pediatrician, and other specialists in any Maxicare Primary Care Clinic. It’s not just an ideal healthcare partner for a growing family, it's also like a big, warm hug of security.

A

to meaningful gift

to make your gift shopping a relaxing

An interview with Katharina Kacerovsky-Strobl

Text by Ralph Chan, images copyright by Stonewall GmbH

Christmas is the celebration of love and love is known to show itself in different formsbe it in a heterosexual or a homosexual relationship.

The recent statement made by the World Cup ambassador that homosexuality is a "disease of the mind" and the tragic shootings in Colorado, USA or here in Europe in Bratislava, Slovakia in recent months show that the LGBTQIA+ community is not yet accepted by society. Roots & Wings is even more pleased to talk to the Filipina-Austrian Katharina Kacerovsky-Strobl. She is the CEO of the company organizing the Vienna Pride and who was also responsible for EuroPride 2019 in Vienna. In our conversation we touch on different topics such as Filipino perceptions, religion, and media in relation to the LGBTQIA+ community.

Thank you for the opportunity to talk to you. Before we start with our conversation about the LGBTQIA+ community and the Filipino socie-

ty, could you briefly explain to us, the differences between lesbians, gays, bisexual, transsexual, intersexual, queer, asexual?

I think the easiest way to explain to people are lesbians and gays. A gay man has relationships with other men instead of women and the same happens with lesbians, they are women who fall in love with other women. Bisexuals can fall in love with both sexes. Then we have the trans person, who is born in a body which the person doesn’t identify with. For example, there is a person born and defined biologically by doctors as a boy and the boy, often even at a very young age, just doesn’t feel like a boy but a girl. Whereas an inter person is simply biologically not just male or female (inter means “in between”). An asexual person is somebody who just doesn’t have a desire for sex at all. And a queer person is somebody for whom none of these labels fit.

Thank you for the explanation. I’d like to start

"GAYS AND LESBIANS ARE SILENTLY TOLERATED"

with the question: As a half Filipina, do you think gender issues are discussed openly in the Filipino community?

Well, I think when you talk about gender issues, you are aware that it contains a very wide range. At the moment, we are focusing on LGBTQ, heterosexuals, but there’s also non-binary, gender-fluid people or people who don’t want to define whatever gender they have. I think not too many people are aware of the complete gender issue topic. Talking about the Filipino society, it is very important to know which age group and even which society group we are talking about. Here in Austria, the first Filipinos were nurses, mainly women who came in the 1970/80s to work. They are now 70+ years old. I think for them it’s a different gender issue than for the Filipinos in our age. Filipinos are talking about it; I would say not that openly because it’s a part of our Filipino culture to be polite and not to talk about topics which could make another person feel uncomfortable. Gays and lesbians are accepted. Often the parents themselves will not be the happiest persons about having a gay or a lesbian child but if it’s the child of your neighbor, the employee in the barbershop or your best friend who’s helping you in the household, for example, the butch lesbian is accepted. I mean they are not killed, not harassed but nobody’s talking about them. They are just quietly tolerated.

Does it mean that Filipinos in Austria are more liberated than in the Philippines?

To be honest, I cannot answer this question. In 2019, I was part of the very first big pride celebration. It happened in Marikina with more than 70.000 people. It was huge, even the mayor of Marikina was part of it. I was there to walk in the Pride parade together with the Austrian ambassador and other ambassadors. I was representing EuroPride and the mayor seemed really to be supportive and did a lot of TV interviews. His support was authentic. I was just like “wow this is really happening”. To your question, I don’t know if people who are over 70+ years old, who are living in Austria for 40 years, are more open or not.

Religion plays a big role for Filipinos. Do you think we as Filipinos are more accepting LGBTQIA+ people even though we are more religious?

I find this a very hard question because at first, I’d say yes. We are more accepting but it’s more different way of acceptance. Here in Austria, it’s always LGBTQIA+ against the Pope. Why? Because the Pope was against LGBTQIA+ people, he tells people that they should not use condoms even in countries where the

families cannot feed their children or where many people have HIV/AIDS. That was before. Now the Pope started already to change his comments about the LGBTQIA+ community. He started to say, even if your child is from the LGBTQIA+ community, it is still more important that you love your child. There is already a change happening in the church and so I’m absolutely against the black and white picture. Because you belong to the LGBTQIA+ community, you must be against the church because the church as an institution. What has it got to do with your belief? Nothing! There are so many Austrians, they don’t go to church but when it comes to LGBTQIA+ acceptance they become very traditional, in a church way. And then we have Filipinos who go to church three times a week and then they don’t have a problem with LGBTQIA+ people unless it’s not their own child. That’s an important point.

Now about the media representation of the LGBTQIA+. Do you think you’re represented in media? Do shows like Drag Race Philippines help? Shows like Drag Race Philippines can be funny. Sometimes it’s also a little bit ridiculous because they are only painting a picture of a very small part of the LGBTQIA+ community. It also creates prejudices like a gay man has to look like a gay man. There are men you would never know that they are gay. They don’t talk with a high voice, they don’t walk like a woman, they don’t like pumps. I don’t know what to say, how good is the show. It gives us visibility, of course, but it can also reinforce prejudices like having a bakla (gay man) in your friends’ group is something special because it’s fun to go out with them. Same with tomboy (butch lesbian) because they are cool, they support and will carry the bags of the women. But actually, it’s very sad right? That baklas always have to be funny to be accepted and that tomboys always have to play the male role to open the door to all my female friends to be accepted. When I’m invited to go shopping to the mall with my four female friends, I’m the butch lesbian to carry the bags. It’s very sad.

Let’s talk about the societal and political acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community. Hate crimes happened against the community in different parts of the world over the last few weeks. What is your take on this?

You still hear people saying I have no problems with gays. It’s their private thing what they do in their bed at home behind closed doors. The sentence alone shows how far away we are from real acceptance because heterosexual relationships are also not only

celebrating their love and family behind closed doors. Also, it isn’t just about the bedroom. It is about who we fall in love with, our very normal, often even boring relationships. We have the same hopes and problems like everybody else. That’s why it is so wrong to think of us as different. That’s why it is important to know that the pride movement is internationally known as a demonstration movement for LGBTQIA+ human rights. And the development is not long ago. In 2017, I still remember when we started to prepare EuroPride 2019 in Vienna, I had so many meetings and appointments with local companies, local brands. Everyone explained me, no, pride – what has it got to do with us? It was hard work to convince companies that LGBTQIA+ and diversity are important topics for them as well and this was only five years ago.

With EuroPride in Vienna, we have been more visible than ever before. After the first societal acknowledgements, COVID came. It was hard for every one of us, a lot of hate came to us. When we organised Vienna Pride again last year, we faced a lot of hate and attacks. This is the reason why last year’s motto was ‘Pride Against Hate’. In 2019, during the last big EuroPride, it was ‘Together and Proud’ which not only meant the whole community but also together with everybody in society, also working together with companies, with politicians. It is not only about LGBTQIA+ rights, but also about rights of women, of people with disabilities because pride stands for an open, modern world where everyone deserves the same chances. So, when we marched last June 2022 at the Vienna Pride parade, we were about 180.000 people. It was really a beautiful feeling to see people celebrating in the streets for love, meeting friends and

having the contact again, being close without mask. People were dancing, screaming, hugging, being happy. That’s also the reason why we will plan again the full Vienna pride program in 2023. We will have the Pride village at the city hall square.

This is a very good bridge because Filipino Austrians are interested to know if there will there be a Pride wagon next year that consists of Filipinos, a ‘Filipinx Pride Wagen’?

Well, the thing is, it’s a demonstration and whoever is registering a truck or a walking group as a private person can walk. I think in 2019 there was Filipino folklore group and they walked. We are not the one organizing the trucks. This comes from the community, but I think it would be very lovely to have a Filipino truck.

Lastly, how can we support the LGBTQIA+ community with our own actions and what is your advice to a young person who is currently struggling identifying their gender and read this article? There is a wide range of possibilities. I think the most important point is asking questions to LGBTQIA+ persons. Ask them how they want to be addressed. If you go to a parade, not to see it as a party. Don’t make fun of it in celebrating your hen party there. But raise your voices even if it’s only a small thing. Say what is your problem with gays. Speak up and ask a lot of questions. And if somebody comes out to you, try to not treat them any different. Even if that’s hard, maybe because it is your child. That person is still the same child you had yesterday. When you are in the position to change something because you are leading a department in your company, have awareness days or invite someone for a workshop who is clearing up about the topic. It will be an improvement for the whole team. And to the young person, I think it is very important to seek for trusted persons who are in the LGBTQIA+ community because even though you have a good relationship to your family or friends, you also need to look for persons who lives the same struggles, the same questions and who can emotionally understand you. I think especially for a young person, it is important to seek for an LGBTQIA+ teenage group or for some evenings in an association who do some program activities for young people.

PHILIPPINES

SYMBOLS OF HOPE

The 15th Belenismo sa Tarlac

health protocols and became a symbol of hope for the people.

Belenismo sa Tarlac, “the art of making a Belen,” is held annually in the province of Tarlac. It highlights the depiction of the birth of the child Jesus, which is celebrated as Christmas in most parts of the Christian world and commemorates the love of Jesus, our Savior.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Belenismo was celebrated in accordance with the government’s

Belenismo sa Tarlac is a Department of Tourism calendared event that started in 2007 under the leadership of the founders of the Tarlac Heritage Foundation, Doña Isabel Cojuangco Suntay and Ms. Isa Cojuangco Suntay. It is the reason why the Province of Tarlac was dubbed the “Belen Capital of the Philippines” and became a member of the Federacion Española de Belenistas.

This year marks the festival’s 15th anniversary, with 51 reg-

istered participants showcasing their talents and artistry in making Belens in five categories: community, church, monumental, grand non-municipal, and grand municipal. One entry stands out, as hardly anyone will miss a Belen so big that allows children to play inside it. The Belen entry of the Armed Forces of the Philippines is situated in the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) under the grand non-municipal category. It has the semblance of a castle with the nativity scene placed on an upper platform and an actu-

Text and images by Isabel Cojuangco Suntay of the Tarlac Heritage Foundation, Philippines

1st Church Category St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish

1st Grand Non- Municipal Category

The AFP Belen

al playground where children can have fun. The AFP Belen brings to the fore the need now more than ever for unity, anchored on faith, love, hope, kindness, and compassion. The AFP Belen at NOLCOM has been inducted into the grand non-municipal category Hall of Fame twice. This shows that the AFP is not only good at protecting the people and the state but is also an active participant in community building.

Another eye-catching spectacle in the monumental category is the Armor Division’s Confectionery Belen in Camp O’Donnell, Capas Tarlac, which is made mostly from recycled materials.

It was built to provide “a walk in the park” concept for children with candy canes and other sweet Christmas treats. The AFP NOLCOM Belen and the Armor Division Confectionery Belen were both designed to bring joy to children and touch their hearts at Christmas.

Under the municipal category, the dazzling Belens from the Mu-

nicipality of San Clemente with the theme “Joy to the World, The Savior has Come!” and the Municipality of Moncada with the theme “ARAKOP Moncada.”

Arakop means to embrace, embracing challenges, a new life, and all that is to come with strength, hope, and faith in God. Finally, the Belen from the Municipality of Anao is inspired by a golden Sarimanok, a legendary bird of the Maranao people, which represents harmony, success, and fortune.

Other beautiful Belen entries under the church category are also a must see, like the Belen of Sto. Nino Parish in Bamban, Tarlac with a diamond theme symbolizing strength, love, and health. The Belen of Saint Joseph Parish Mayantoc with the theme of “The word was made flesh.”

Last but not least, the Belen entries under the community category are captivating, like the Belen of Alagang I.N.A. (Itim na Araw), erected within the barangay covered court of barangay Dicolor, Gerona, Tarlac. It has the theme

of silaw, or light in the darkness. Another entry is the “Belen ng Karunungan” of the Tarlac State University, which is inspired by the designs and symbols of its official university logo.

The display entry of the Taguiporo Giants Association, which features a nativity scene in a volcano-designed Belen, looks astounding and calls the people’s attention to the effects of climate change.

In this year’s event, folk dances, rondalla performances, community choirs, and other forms of cultural entertainment that showcase our heritage are part of the Belen display, enhancing our rich culture.

Certainly, all 51 Belen displays at the 15th Belenismo sa Tarlac are worth seeing. Travelers and tourists will surely be impressed by the unique and meaningful Belen displays in the province of Tarlac.

Everyone from all over the world is invited and welcome to see the Belen displays until January 6, 2023.

The Weihnachtsmarkt SWITZERLAND

/ GERMANY

Text and images by Betsy von Atzigen

Europe popularised the festive winter celebration of people at a Weihnachtsmarkt or Christmas street market.

History points to Dresden, Germany as one of the earliest traditional Christmas markets in the late middle ages. Today, one finds them anywhere and everywhere in Europe – on cobbled streets, by the lake, in large and small train stations, in museums, around castle grounds, in old and new Markplatz Squares and more.

Fa la la la la la la la la la humming this traditional Christmas carol immediately evokes that wintry Christmas excitement within.

What do people look forward to before Christmas in Europe?

Christmas-decorated stalls and outdoor bars abound in a typical Weihnachsmarkt or Christmas market. German, Swiss, and Austrian Weihnachtsmärkte offer Glühweinheated mulled wine or sweet spiced cider, and for the kids, orange punch or apple juice and hot chocolate to keep warm. Some shops do sell the mugs you drink in as souvenir of the visit. The mug stays as a conversation piece years after.

As you walk along, there are lots to nibble on like grilled sausages and noodles, pork roast from the rotisserie served with potatoes and sauteed onions, local specialities like cheeses, salami, ham, pickles, and olives. For

the sweet tooth, try the different stollen - fruit cake, lebkuchen - gingerbread, candy apple or the famous Swiss Magenbrot - bite size ‘stomach bread ‘ of wheat flour, honey, sugar and spices. At first, I couldn’t handle this but over the years, taste buds have adjusted too.

You can’t miss shopping for handicrafts, candles, crystals, hats and mittens and unique seasonal gifts made by local artisans. In some corners, you may be able to take a pause and enjoy the singing of carols and traditional dancing, portraying traditional Christmas customs and stories. Christmas markets are family and child-friendly so some places offer rides on a merry go round or ferris wheel.

Most of these Christmas markets open during the Advent season or about 4 weeks before Christmas and may run up to the New Year, while others set them up only for an extended weekend. The joyous atmosphere is one to breathe in! Stalls light up like stars that twinkle as soon as early wintry evenings set in, overcoming darkness and the cold. A certain festive air envelopes as you hop from stall to stall. Look out behind the stalls. There could be incredibly charming historic buildings, baroque churches or landmarks with live and lit Christmas trees next to them.

Wishing our Roots & Wings readers a blessed Christmas from Europe - Fa la la la la la la la la.

A CHORAL FESTIVAL

Text by Luz Therese Bergesen Images by Marco Reyes Camas

Christmas spirits in Oslo were ushered in early, with a first in the Filipino community: “Paskong Pinoy 2022: A Choral Festival”, spearheaded by the Philippine Embassy.

The festival drew a crowd of about 1,200 at the Filadelfia International Church in Oslo.

The event gathered performing Filipino choirs from various Christian churches which belted out heart warming Christmas songs, reminiscent of Christmas carolling in the Philippines.

A Filipino food bazaar which served bibingka, sapin-sapin, puto, mamon, siopao, and other mouth watering Pinoy delicacies, added to all the excitement.

The festive evening was also a gift-giving event with beneficiaries chosen by the participating choirs. They received ’Pamaskong Handog’ bags from the Philippine Government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of Migrant Workers Affairs, and Philippine Embassy in Norway.

A grand raffle draw was held, with lucky winners from the audience taking home prizes which included gift certificates, hotel stays in Manila and in Oslo, and a round trip ticket Oslo-MNL-Oslo)!

Filadelfia International Church Chorus • St. Johannes English Choir • PMCC Norway Gospel Choir Living Word Bible Center • Jesus is Lord Church Norway Chorale • St. Laurentius Choir and Ensemble St. Joseph English Choir • St. Olav Cathedral’s English Choir

Heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the following Paskong Pinoy 2022 church choirs for lending their voices and spreading the Christmas cheer:

1,200 strong crowd — the biggest in an Embassy-initiated event in an indoor setting in Norway

Eight choirs composed of Filipinos from various churches in Oslo who participated the Paskong Pinoy 2022, pictured here with H.E. Ambassador Enrico T. Fos.

Pinoys from Halden, Sarpsborg, Mandal and other neighboring cities came to support the event.

'Tis the season.. There's nothing we love more than giving, especially during Christmas! We are happy to announce that Roots & Wings, in partnership with Mithi & Co., will be conducting a giveaway this holiday season. Here's your chance to send this gift bundle to your loved ones in the Philippines. Good luck!

To enter, follow: IG: @raw.mags & @shopmithi

Like the post Tag someone you'd like to receive this gift bundle and why. The lucky winner will be announced on December 24th.

MYLA ARCENO

is

UK’s One Philippines Newsmagazine and a physiotherapist for the National Health Service (NHS) with speciality in cardiac rehab and acute medicine. She grew up and received her education from Pulupandan and Bacolod City, Philippines, and has been a resident of Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK for nearly 20 years. Myla enjoys the best of both worlds and embraces the diverse cultures and traditions of being Filipino and naturalised British. Travelling to practically every destination in the map, dancing, writing, reading and meeting people from all walks of life are some of her passions. Myla, along with her UK Roots and Wings Team, Hyacinth and Siobhan, are excited to share stories from the United Kingdom.

petmylaj@yahoo.co.uk

BUREAU EDITOR, UNITED KINGDOM

Myla Arceno

an elected councillor in Stevenage, a columnist for

Myla Arceno, MCSP Stevenage, Hertfordshire

SWITZERLAND

65 YEARS OF PHILIPPINE-SWISS CONNECTIONS

An Enduring Relationship

Betsy von Atzigen with Chargè d’Affaires Josephine M. Reynante Photos

The Philippines and Switzerland celebrated in Berne 65 years of diplomatic relations.

In a recent communication with Chargè d’Affaires Josephine M. Reynante on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of Philippine-Swiss Relations, she explained how Philippine diplomatic relations with Switzerland began, how it evolved into what it is today and how it’s moving forward.

PHILIPPINE- SWITZERLAND RELATIONS

The establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Switzerland began on 30 August 1956 upon the signing of the Treaty of Friendship between the two countries. Formal diplomatic relations ensued after the Exchange of Instruments of Ratification of the Treaty of Friendship between the Philippines and Switzerland took place on 21 January 1957. Thereafter, Ambassador Salvador P. Lopez, Philippine Ambassador to France, was concurrently accredited to Switzerland on 21 June 1957.

Swiss-Philippine bilateral relations actually predate formal diplomatic relations.

TOP

by Philippine Embassy Berne

TOP CDA Josephine M. Reynante delivering her welcome remarks

LEFT Guests from the Federal Department, Diplomatic Corp, Swiss and Filipino Community

Interactions between the two countries can be traced back to the early 1800s when Swiss traders, missionaries and travellers ventured into Southeast Asia.

The idea of opening a Swiss official representation in the Philippines was initiated in 1851, which finally culminated in the establishment of a Swiss honorary consulate in Manila in 1862. It was Switzerland’s first consulate in Asia.

Since then, exchanges between the two countries have flourished, particularly in the economic, cultural, social, and political spheres. These collaborative efforts have also been strengthened through the signing of numerous agreements in the fields of investments, visa waiver for diplomatic and official passport holders, mutual legal assistance, extradition, avoidance of double taxation, social security, and exchange of professional and technical trainees, among others.

What are the highlights of cooperation between our two nations in the sectors of trade, education, research, and innovation? Which Philippine products dominate Swiss markets?

Philippine-Swiss business relations go back to the last century with some big Swiss business names figuring prominently alongside big names in Philippine business. Counted among these are Nestle Philippines, Holcim Philippines, Glencore Switzerland, and SGS Philippines, to name a few.

To date, there are over 60 Swiss companies present in the Philippines employing around 15,000 Filipinos. About one-third or 28% of said Swiss companies belong to the industrial sector, while 72% are in the service sector. In addition, there are a number of Filipino/Swiss family-owned enterprises running small resorts and dive shops scattered around the archipelago.

Major exports of the Philippines to Switzerland are medical instruments, mineral com-

pounds, electrical machines, textiles and apparel and other machinery, and yellowfin tuna.

Can you update us on Filipino immigration trends, employment, and social integration of our kababayans in Switzerland?

Which canton do we find the biggest concentration of Filipinos? In which sector can the Filipino Swiss contribute more to society?

Filipinos living and working in Switzerland historically migrated to the country beginning in the late 70’s as: 1) spouses of Swiss nationals; 2) professionals employed by UN agencies and other international organizations or by Swiss and multinational companies; 3) nurses and health caregivers; 4) service workers engaged by foreign diplomatic missions and their personnel; 5) representatives of churches and religious organizations; or 6) employees in other sectors. Since then, Filipinos in Switzerland have worked and integrated in various sectors of Swiss society.

In Berne, majority of Filipinos are employed in different capacities in foreign missions (technical, administrative, and private staff) and residence of heads of diplomatic missions. A sizeable number are also found in hospitals and nursing homes, working either as nurses, caregivers, or administrative staff members.

In Zürich, Filipinos are grouped in a number of sectors, including nurses and those working in medical/health allied professions; IT, engineering, and various services sectors.

In Geneva, a large portion of Filipinos work in the UN and its other agencies. Some Filipinos are also doing domestic work and other technical jobs.

In general, Filipino workers in Switzerland enjoy satisfactory working conditions and terms of employment. They are among the highest paid workers in Europe. The Filipino community in Switzerland is estimated at over 14,000, including dual citizens.

The Nightingales serenaded the guests with a medley of multilanguage songs.

How does this bilateral relationship affect ASEAN relations as a whole?

The close relations between the Philippines and Switzerland extend to the multilateral arena, such as in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN ) where Switzerland is a sectoral dialogue partner.

The Philippines supported Switzerland’s admission as an ASEAN sectoral dialogue partner.

What aims are in place to sustain and strengthen Philippine-Swiss connections beyond 65?

With the theme Philippine - Swiss Connections: An Enduring Relationship, the 65th Anniversary Philippine Swiss Diplomatic Relations held last Friday, 18 November 2022 at Hotel Schweizerhof Bern intended to resonate that the strongest ties that bind the two coun-

tries together are the various individuals and families who personify Philippine – Swiss connections.

People-to-people interactions and exchanges, such as Dr. Jose Rizal’s journey through Basel, Bern, Lausanne, Schaffhausen, and Geneva in 1887 during which he was impressed with the Swiss people's respect for human dignity and their struggle for freedom, are what makes our bilateral relations endure and blossom.

Today, this is manifested very clearly by, among others, Swiss-Filipino families running resorts and hospitality businesses in the Philippines, and Filipino-Swiss entrepreneurs who find innovative ways to do business in Switzerland.

Featured during the reception were Filipino nationals who exemplify these vital connections: Pamela Gotangco Hupp an artist based in Zurich whose “Islaw the kalabaw and Lilli the cow” collection was exhibited at the venue; MonAlp AG, founded by two siblings, Lloyd and Aileen Zumstein, who innovated mobile cheese processing for the benefit of alpine dairy farmers; Domingo S. Domingo, a chef who creates unique dishes by blending Philippine and Swiss processes and ingredients, and Ms. Erlita Terte, former nurse who became a winemaker.

The Embassy believes that there is a vast room for further broadening and deepening Philippine-Swiss relations. And the celebration is a mere acknowledgement of what have been achieved in the past 65 years and a foretaste of future directions.

But as always, it is the warm and convivial relations among our peoples that will empower and energize our bilateral relations, promote, and sustain understanding, friendship and goodwill, and ultimately give meaning and relevance to what we do.

Heartfelt congratulations to the Philippines and Switzerland on the 65th anniversary of bilateral relations!

MARY HYACINTH REGUINDINTONDO

Mary self-published 50 DAYS OF EASTER (available on Amazon) in 2021. She also contributed to ‘Cup of Tea Stories’ (also available on Amazon.co.uk). She is into modelling, acting, presenting, dancing & choreography, and is currently the assistant artistic director of Philippine Theatre UK. An entrepreneur - explorer at heart, she started Aye Tondo’s Travel and Tours during the pandemic.

Originally from Manila, she came to the UK in September 2009. She is currently based in Northamptonshire, works as a Principal Speech and Language Therapist for the NHS and also runs a private practice. She devotes her time to her two boys, and believes they have taken after her raw talent and fresh passion for the arts, business, health and learning.

BUREAU CO-EDITOR, UNITED KINGDOM

Directory of Philippine Embassies in Europe

Roots & Wings e-Publications have been making an impact on the Euro-Filipino community in the last dozen years by promoting Filipino culture, art, entrepreneurship, outstanding Filipinos in various fields, community events and providing current contacts to diplomatic missions within Europe. See list here.

Embassy information changes all the time. Help us update this directory by emailing rawmags.betsy@gmail.com. Salamat po.

AUSTRIA

Embassy of the Philippines, Vienna

H.E. Irene Susan B. Natividad Chargé d’Affaires, ad interim 20th and 21st Floor, ARES Tower Donau-City-Strasse 11, A-1220 Vienna, Austria

Tel (+43-1) 533-2401 Emergency Tel (+43-6991) 232-2034 Email: vienna.pe@dfa.gov.ph vienna.pm@dfa.gov.ph

WWW.VIENNAPE.DFA.GOV.PH

BELGIUM

Embassy of the Philippines, Brussels H.E. Ambassador Eduardo José A. De Vega 297 Avenue Moliere, Brussels, 1050 BELGIUM Tel (+32-2) 34033-77 to 78 Emergency Tel (+32-4) 8860-9177 Email: brussels.pe@dfa.gov.ph;  brusselspe@gmail.com Facebook: @PHinBelgium

WWW.BRUSSELSPE.DFA.GOV.PH

CZECH REPUBLIC

Embassy of the Philippines, Prague H.E. Ambassador Mr. Ombra T. Jainal Senovazne Namesti 8, Prague 1, 110 00 Czech Republic

Tel (+420) 224-216397 (+420) 224-216397 / 224-216385

Emergency Tel (+420) 607-850-764 Email: prague.pe@dfa.gov.ph; praguepe@gmail.com Facebook: @PHinCzechRepublic

WWW.PRAGUEPE.DFA.GOV.PH

DENMARK

Embassy of the Philippines, Copenhagen

H.E. Ambassador Leo M. Herrera-Lim Arne Jacobsens Alle 13, 1st Floor, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark

Tel (+45) 7141-5952

Emergency (+45) 2273-3933 Email: copenhagen.pe@dfa.gov.ph Facebook: @PHinDenmark

WWW.COPENHAGENPE.DFA.GOV.PH

FINLAND

Embassy of the Philippines, Greater Helsinki Vice Consul, ad honorem Mdme. Teresita Zurbano Ruutu Ukonkivenpolku 3e, Fi-01610 Vantaa, Finland Tel (+358) 407 071 817

EMAIL: TERESITA.RUUTU@SAUNALAHTI.FI

FRANCE

Embassy of the Philippines, Paris

H.E Ambassador Junever M. Mahilum-West 4 Hameau de Boulainvilliers 45 Rue du Ranelagh 75016 Paris, France Tel (+331) 4414-5700 (+331) 4414-5700 4414-5701/2 (Consular) Emergency (+336) 2059-2515 (+336) 2059-2515 Email: paris.pe@dfa.gov.ph parispe.dfa@gmail.com Facebook: @PHinFrance WWW.PARISPE.DFA.GOV.PH

GERMANY

Embassy of the Philippines, Berlin H.E. Ambassador Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega Luisenstrasse 16, 10117 Berlin-Mitte

Federal Republic of Germany Tel +49 (0) 30 864 95 00

Emergency +49 (0) 173-521-5703 Email: info@philippine-embassy.de, consular@ philippine-embassy.de Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ PHinGermany

WWW.PHILIPPINE-EMBASSY.DE

Consulate General of the Philippines, Frankfurt Westend Carree Grüneburgweg 16-18, 1st Floor

60322 Frankfurt Am Main

Federal Republic of Germany

Tel (+49) (0) 69 8700 66900 Hotline (+49) (0) 151 6248 7425 Assistance to Nationals (+49) (0) 151 5354 6841 Email: frankfurt.pcg@dfa.gov.ph  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ PHinFrankfurt/ WWW.FRANKFURTPCG.DE WWW.FRANKFURTPCG.DFA.GOV.PH/

GREECE

Embassy of the Philippines, Athens

H.E. Ambassador Giovanni E. Palec 26 Antheon Street, Paleo Psychico 154-52 Athens, Greece Tel (+30210) 672-1883 (+30210) 672-1883 672-1837 Emergency (+30-697) 968-2921, (+30-697) 968-2921 Email: athens.pe@dfa.gov.ph; ATHENSPE@OTENET.GR

HUNGARY

Embassy of the Philippines, Budapest H.E. Ambassador Frank R. Cimafranca 1026 Budapest, Gabor Aron utca 58 Budapest, Hungary Tel (+36-1) 391-4300

Email: budapest.pe@dfa.gov.ph / phbuda@philembassy.hu Facebook: @PHLinHungary WWW.BUDAPESTPE.DFA.GOV.PH

ISRAEL

Embassy of the Philippines, Tel-Aviv H.E.  Ambassador-designate Macairog S. Alberto No. 18 Bnei Dan Street, Tel-Aviv, 62260 Israel Tel (+9723) 601-0500 (+9723) 601-0500 Emergency (+972-54) 466-1188 (+972-54) 466-1188

Email: telaviv.pe@dfa.gov.ph; filembis@netvision.net.il   WWW.PHILEMBTELAVIV.CO.IL

ITALY

Embassy of the Philippines, Rome

H.E. Ambassador Domingo P. Nolasco Viale delle Medaglie d’Oro 112-114 00136 Rome, Italy

Tel (+3906) 3974-6621 (+3906) 3974-6621

Emergency (+39) 328-690-7613 (+39) 328-690-7613

Email: rome.pe@dfa.gov.ph romepe2007@gmail.com WWW.PHILEMBASSY-ROME.NET

THE NETHERLANDS

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, THE HAGUE

H.E. Ambassador Jose Eduardo Malaya (incoming)

Tel (+31) 70360-4820  Emergency (+31)(0) 65261-1079 Email: thehague.pe@dfa.gov.ph / thehague@ philembassy.nl Facebook: @PHinTheNetherlands

WWW.THEHAGUEPE.DFA.GOV.PH

NORWAY

Embassy of the Philippines, Oslo

H.E. Ambassador Enrico T. Fos Nedre Vollgate 4, 0158 Oslo, Norway P.O. Box 1758 VIKA N-0122 Oslo, Norway (+47) 224-00900 (+47) 224-00900 Emergency (+47) 902 41 171

Email: helpdesk@philembassy.no

WWW.PHILEMBASSY.NO

ICELAND

Philippine Consulate, Reykjavik, Iceland

H.E. Consul Maria Priscilla Zanoria a.h Skógarsel 39 109 Reykjavik, Iceland Tel (+354) 897 5391

EMAIL: PHILCONSUL@SIMNET.IS

POLAND

Embassy of the Philippines, Warsaw

H.E. Ambassador Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz Ul. Lentza 11, 02-956 Warsaw, Republic of Poland Tel +48 22 490 2025 and +48 694 491 664 Emergency +48 604 357 396 Email: warsaw.pe@dfa.gov.ph

Facebook: @PHLinPoland

WWW.WARSAWPE.DFA.GOV.PH

PORTUGAL

Embassy of the Philippines, Lisbon

H.E. Ambassador Celia Anna M. Feria Rua Barata Salgueiro 30–3 andar 1250-044 Lisbon, Portugal Tel (+351) 216-083-274; 216-083-276; 216-083-277

Emergency (+351) 925-410-257 E-mail: lisbon.pe@dfa.gov.ph lisbon.pe@gmail.com WWW.LISBONPE.DFA.GOV.PH

RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Embassy of the Philippines, Moscow

H.E. Ambassador Carlos D. Sorreta              Karmanitsky Pereulok 8 Building 1, 121099 Moscow, Russian Federation Tel (+7-499) 241-0563; 241-0564; 241-0565) Email: moscow.pe@dfa.gov.ph  moscowpe@mailfrom.ru Facebook: Philembassy Moscow WWW.MOSCOWPE.DFA.GOV.PH

SPAIN

Embassy of the Philippines, Madrid H.E Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier Calle Eresma 2, 28002 Madrid, Spain (Chancery) Calle Guadalquivir 6, 28002 Madrid, Spain (Consular Section) Tel (+34) 917-823-830 / 917-823-836; 917-451734 (Consular Section) Emergency (+34) 616-491-861 Email: madrid.pe@dfa.gov.ph / madridpe@yahoo.com

Consular: info@philembassymadrid. com / consular@philembassymadrid.com Facebook: @PHinSpain www.philembassymadrid.com WWW.MADRIPE.DFA.GOV.PH

Consulate General Barcelona

Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro Rambla de Catalunya 33, Planta Principal 08007 Barcelona, Spain +34 938 28 83 12

BARCELONAPCG.CONSULAR@DFA.GOV.PH

SWEDEN

Embassy of the Philippines, Stockholm

H.E. Consul Raul Dado Charge d’ affaires, ad interim Mobile +46 702 735 407, +63 9054039435 (Viber) EMAIL: STOCKHOLM.PE@DFA.GOV.PH

SWITZERLAND

Embassy of the Philippines, Berne Chargé d’Affaires Josephine M. Reynante Kirchenfeldstrasse 73-75 3005 Berne, Switzerland Tel (+41-31) 350-1700

Emergency (+41-79) 542-1992 Email: berne.pe@dfa.gov.ph / info@philembassyberne.ch  Facebook: @PHinSwitzerland WWW.BERNEPE.DFA.GOV.PH

Permanent Representative

H.E. Ambassador Evan P. Garcia 47 Avenue Blac, 1202 Geneva Switzerland Tel (+41-22) 716-1930 Emergency (+41-79) 1369-114 Email: geneva.pm@dfa.gov.ph / genevapm49@ gmail.com genevapm.dfa.gov.ph WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/GENEVAPCG

UNITED KINGDOM

Embassy of the Philippines, London H.E. Ambassador Antonio Manuel R. Lagdameo 6-8 Suffolk Street, London SW1Y 4HG United Kingdom of Great Britain Tel (+44) 20-7451-1780 Emergency (+44) 78-0279-0695 Email: london.pe@dfa.gov.ph / embassy@philemb.co.uk Facebook: @PHLinUK WWW.LONDONPE.DFA.GOV.PH

VATICAN, ITALY

Embassy of the Philippines, Vatican Hon. (Mr.) Charlie P. Manangan Charge d’ Affaires Via Paolo VI, 29, 00193 Rome, Italy Tel (+39-06) 6830-8020 Email: vatican.pe@dfa.gov.ph / vaticanpe2@gmail.com https://dfa.gov.ph/about/dfa-directory/ourforeign-service-posts-dfa WWW.VATICANPE.DFA.GOV.PH

PHILIPPINES

Roots & Wings’ Social Entrepreneurship - A Year Since Its Launch

Text by Becky Torres, Rawmags Social Entrepreneurship Lead

In celebration of the 12th anniversary of Roots & Wings from inception in 2009, the Social Entrepreneurship Program was formally launched in February 2022.

The program’s vision is to be a channel for individuals and corporate sponsors/patrons to share their blessings to identified low-income beneficiaries in the Philippines to “fortify our roots.”

After a year, the Social Entrepreneurship Program of Roots & Wings has touched the lives of many kababayans in the Philippines. Financial support came in for the three chosen beneficiaries - the recovery and rehabilitation of victims of typhoon Odette (International name Rai) in the island of Siargao in Mindanao, funding the education of vocational students of Laura Vicuna Women’s Development and Training Center in Negros Occidental and high school students of the Laura Vicuna Training Center in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Roots & Wings is thankful to the generous support of its corporate media partners - Maxicare Healthcare Corporation, a pioneering health maintenance organization, and Italpinas Development Corporation, a design driven real estate development company, the Banker’s Institute of the Philippines, a training institution that supports the banking industry, as loyal patron, and individual sponsors from Sweden and the Netherlands.

Through this Social Entrepreneurship Program, may the wide readership of Roots & Wings from among the FilipinoEuropean communities in the 28 countries within Europe continue to touch the hearts of our kababayans to be instruments of change with social impact in targeted beneficiaries in the Philippines.

We will announce the next beneficiaries of the Social Entrepreneurship Program in its 2nd year in the February/March 2023 issue of Roots & Wings.

SIOBHAN DOYLE

BUREAU CO-EDITOR, UNITED KINGDOM

Content

Editor, E&T Magazine

Freelance writer

siobhanceciiadoyle@gmail.com https://siobhandoyle.contently. com/

Siobhan Doyle is a content editor for a UK-based engineering and tech B2B publication called E&T Magazine.

Being half Filipino, she tries to embrace the Philippine culture to its full potential by continuing to spectate and engage in its current news and pop culture, all while living outside the buzzing city of London.

In her spare time, she loves travelling, reading romance novels, drawing, and doing Pilates. Siobhan is also an avid musical theatre fan, who has a habit of spontaneously buying theatre tickets to the West End, even if it means seeing Wicked more than once!