Roots and Wings June 2022 Edition

Filipino Magazine in Europe

Is it over?

Artist Joselito ‘Jojo’ Tolentino Jimenez

June ­—July 2022 Volume 12 Issue 4

From the Editor

T

he 12th of June ushered the 124th Philippine Independence Day celebrations nationwide. But with over 10 million Filipinos residing overseas since 6 decades or so, the concept of ‘nationwide’ has been expanded to continent-wide and ultimately, worldwide. The sense of nationhood lives on, regardless of one’s physical residence.

The Philippine Embassy in Norway is worth mentioning here, as not one, but 3 events took place in Oslo. In Moscow, a night of Filipino classical music “Gabi ng Kundiman” festival launched the celebrations. Consul General Tess Lazaro who was once with us in Bern is now bringing a fresh perspective on diplomacy to Barcelona. She quips, “being in the foreign service is also like being an OFW. We get assigned to a particular country and live there for a certain number of years.”

Literally, one beautiful thing this season does is to ‘un-closet’ the Filipinianas and Barong Tagalogs. At an event in Bern earlier, I was pleased to meet up again with Pamela Gotangco who donned a self-designed ultra-modern PamPinay wearable Art. Want more headlines? Click the pages and travel to France’s Pink City, or Siquijor’s beaches and stay updated on Rawmags’ brisk social entrepreneurship projects.

One final celebration this month is Rebecca Urbančík Garcia’s promotion to Rawmags Associate Editor. Her unfaltering dedication, skills and fresh initiatives over the years have pushed our e-publication to new, exciting turns within the Filipino-European social networks.

Mabuhay ang Pilipino!

Betsy Jance von Atzigen Editor in Chief, Switzerland

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Editorial Team

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Meet the Team

Betsy Jance von Atzigen

Rachel Hansen

Marthy Angue

Rebecca Garcia Urbancik

Ralph Chan

ASSOCIATE EDITOR GERMANY/CZ

BUREAU EDITOR AUSTRIA

FOUNDER/PUBLISHER SWEDEN

ASSOCIATE EDITOR PHILIPPINES

Lyndy Bagares

Jennifer Fergesen

Anton Miguel D. De Vera

WEB EDITOR NORWAY

BUREAU EDITOR ICELAND

SOCMED AUSTRIA

Katrina Larida

Jeffrey Cabuay

Cipriano “Zip” De Guzmán

Donna Patricia Manio

Apiong Bagares

BUREAU EDITOR SWEDEN

BUREAU EDITOR FRANCE

BUREAU EDITOR SPAIN

LIFESTYLE EDITOR

DESIGN

Daniel Ceeline Ramonal

Donna Avellana Künzler

BUREAU EDITOR SERBIA

BUREAU EDITOR SWITZERLAND

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Mye Mulingtapang

Becky Torres

Marizel Arambulo

BUREAU EDITOR ITALY

SOC ENTREPRENEUR LEAD

SOC ENTREPRENEUR LEAD

Gloria Hernandez Grejalde

Aimee Alado -Blake

BUREAU EDITOR RUSSIA

BUREAU EDITOR UNITED KINGDOM

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www.rawmags.com Roots&Wings

Roots&Wings Roots&Wings Filipino Magazine in Europe Published by Rachel Publishing Co. Stockholm, Sweden / St Gallen, Switzerland 2009-2022

Editorial Team

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SPONSORED

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Contents ART FOR A CAUSE Artist Joselito “Jojo” Tolentino Jimenez, spotlighting Mindanao’s Lumad tribe /p6 SOCIAL IMPACT BUSINESS Behind the brand Ligaya Apparel /p10 PamPinay wearable Art of Pamela Gotangco & Christian Belaro /p13 SPECIAL FEATURE: 124TH PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE 124th Philippine Independence celebrations in Norway /p15 Gabi ng Kundiman /p18 Thousands celebrate at the KFFN Philippine Independence Day Picnic in the Netherlands 2022 /p20 Para Sa Bayan. For my Motherland. /p21 CULTURE First-ever Ube Fiesta sparks ube food trend in Germany /p23 TRAVEL My Siquijor /p25 Toulouse: The Pink City and its many exciting colors /p27 FOREIGN AFFAIRS ConGen Tess Lazaro, bringing fresh perspective in Barcelona / p31 Philippine Hon. Consul Dr. Axel Neumahr celebrates 5th year of duty / p34 Envisioning Vienna - CDA Mrs. Irene Susan B. Natividad / p40 PH FOREIGN AFFAIRS IN EUROPE DIRECTORY /p42 LITERARY Common Diversities / p44 Wealth is in Food / p48 RAWMAGS MOVERS Aibee Rodriguez-Gaur, and rice on the table /p49 SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP Laura Vicuna Training Center Palawan /p52 BAIPHIL’s HANDOG PAG-ASA Tulong sa Katutubo ng Mt. Purro Nature Reserve /p54

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PHILIPPINES

ART FOR A CAUSE Artist Joselito “Jojo” Tolentino Jimenez, spotlighting Mindanao's Lumad tribe.

IS IT OVER?

Acrylic on canvas 36’’x36” 2022 Whenever we dream, it’s most likely connected to our situation in life. “Is it Over?” depicts a Lumad looking up, hoping to end the many detestable events that beset life.

Euro 1,635 excluding frame and shipping

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Art for a cause

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WEAVER NO. 2

Watercolor 16.5’’x12’’ 2021 Weaving is not only part of their culture but a lifestyle that has been a staple in the indigenous Lumad tribal home. It exhibits the colorful tradition that is passed on and exquisitely woven over time.

Euro 635 excluding frame and shipping Roots&Wings

Art for a cause

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SHARED BLESSING

Acrylic on canvas 20’’x30” 2021 They say sharing is caring. Seeing this painting reminds of an awesome bond between pet and master over a shared bountiful harvest .

Euro 1,090 excluding frame and shipping

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Art for a cause

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RHYTHMIC SMILE

Watercolor 12’’x18’’ 2021 Music knows no age, just like this woman who delights in her native music instrument.

Euro 635 excluding frame and shipping

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Art for a cause

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AUSTRIA

Behind the brand Ligaya Apparel Text and images by Christel Joy Gaño

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igaya Apparel is a clothing brand officially launched in 2022 to raise awareness of Filipino culture, through Tagalog words, food designs, and national symbols. The brand name Ligaya means happiness, deriving from my name, Christel Joy. Launching the brand took a leap of faith, as I also work fulltime as a Marketing Manager for Dell Technologies. First, I started with T-shirt designs with hip words like Sinigang is Life, Habang Buhay, Tadhana. Then, I expanded to sweaters and accessories, now I also offer apparel for children.

From the business side, I decided on a made-to-order business model. Therefore, all clothes

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Social Impact Business

and accessories get only printed or stitched when there’s an order, making it more sustainable. Also, I work with vendors who help me with the logistics as this enables me to deliver and share Filipino culture internationally.

The Filipino market in Europe is still an unnoticed niche market that I hope to raise awareness of through my brand. Unfortunately, not many are aware of the potential and need for creating a Filipino market in Europe. The Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines, as per 2015 notes that there are 433,918 Filipinos with Filipino citizenship living in Europe. Additionally, one also needs to include the thousands of

Filipinos that no longer have a Filipino citizenship and the Filipinos born abroad, I for example, belong to this invisible statistic.

The “OFW dream” What I know about my personal story is that it is the quintessential OFW story. My mom moved in her late 20s, during the 1970s, as a nurse from Tarlac to Austria and my dad left his birthplace Ilocos Norte to follow my mom. This also meant that they had to sign-up to the hardships that immigrants face like learning a new language and adapting to a different culture that they were unfamiliar with. Fortunately, they were able to create a support system of Fil-

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ipino immigrants that consisted of friends. Over the years more family members joined them and they then officially started to call Vienna home.

In the midst of this, my older brother and I were raised, exposed to both Western and Filipino values. Although this made things challenging, as immigrants in general, have to deal with language barriers, prejudices and racism, we both luckily grew up in a loving and secure home. From an academic side, we both hold Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, representing the sacrifice that our parents made. Our parents always viewed education as an opportunity and privilege because of their own story. My grandparents from my dad’s side were farmers and my grandfather was also a soldier during World War II. My grandfather from my mom’s side was a farmer as well, who tried his best to provide for his eight children as a single dad, as my grandmother sadly passed away while she was still young. In a way this is also symbolic, like our grandparents used to plant and harvest crops, our parents planted opportunities for themselves and my brother and I get to influence the next harvest.

My brother works as a nurse, making a direct impact through his patients. Although I feel ful-

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...adversity can be viewed as an advantage for all Filipinos living abroad...

Christel Joy Gaño Ligaya Apparel

LISTEN HERE

Everything Life with Christel Podcast:

filled in my corporate job, I have always hoped to do more for the Filipino community. Aligning with the belief that you have only become a real businesswoman if you understand your responsibility to

make the world a better place. Philanthropy and charitable work is very important to me as well and I hope that my brand and platform can move in that direction in the near future.

Being the daughter of immigrants made me realize that I can open doors, doors that others unfortunately close. When I was ten years old, I was told by a teacher that I will not finish school because of my Filipino roots. Fast forward, I finished school at the age of 17, ended up being the first in my year group with a bachelor’s degree and at the age of 22, I graduated with a Master’s degree. While I don’t look back at my education as a means to show what Filipinos are capable of, it was my career that shaped my view on cultural identity. Being constantly the youngest in meeting rooms and the only Asian, while working for corporations and non-profit organizations, made me see that adversity can become my advantage. In fact, adversity can be viewed as an advantage for all Filipinos living abroad. This starts with the communication beyond appearances and how we are perceived thus “Yes, I am proud to be Asian. But I am even prouder to be Filipino”.

Back to the roots I realized that you can and must

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push beyond expectations while staying grounded and connected to your roots.

Growing up, I would experience Filipino strangers greeting each other with a smile or the question “Filipino ka ba?”

This is sadly rarely the case anymore today, especially amongst younger Filipinos and I hope this changes for the better with the help of Ligaya Apparel.

Filipino immigrants have culturally adjusted to their new homes for different reasons but the dialogues about cultural identity and personal journeys are important as well. The Filipino community needs each other, so that the 2nd generation, 3rd generation and the generations that come after,

stay connected to their Filipino roots.

Ligaya Apparel can help nourish those conversations with streetwear clothing, whether that’s within our Filipino community or outside.

Wearing the brand Ligaya Apparel is about diversity. You don’t only show that you share a connection with Filipino culture but you also get questions from people that are not familiar about the culture. Supporters of the clothing brand have shared with me that Ligaya Apparel has given them the opportunity to share where they are from, to answer curious questions and to learn about each other’s family recipes.

www.ligayapparel.com INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK @ligayapparel LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christelgano/ BLOG CHANNEL: www.millennial-warrior.com

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Social Impact Business

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ZURICH & LONDON

PamPinay wearable Art of Pamela Gotangco & Christian Belaro Text by Betsy von Atzigen, images by PamPinay

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t a recent meeting in Bern with Pamela Gotangco, Pamana ng Pilipino Award recipient 2021, visual artist, designer, and co-founder of fashion brand PamPinay, a ‘picture’ conversation ensued, detailing her unique concept of Pinay wearable art along with designer Christian Belaro. She was wearing one of her creations as we spoke.

Pamela introduced her PamPinay wearable art as a social project that provides livelihood to displaced seamstresses in Manila during the pandemic. Apparently, it’s the first of its kind in Metro Manila. Through this project, both Pamela and Christian realized their plan to put Pinay substance into style and at the same time, help Filipina workers overcome the hardships brought on by the pandemic.

The duo produce materials and designer’s products on hand. She explained a rather simple process, but it certainly contains some complexity as art changes form. Pamela initiates the art; Christian digitizes it, then it gets printed on textile. The Filipina workers cut, stitch, and enhance the design with local trimmings.

The initiative has expanded since its launch and Roots&Wings

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has been helping indigenous groups by incorporating their tapestries into the brand’s designs. Roots & Wings magazine readers are invited to participate in this social project by ordering PamPinay pieces.

www.filipinoshoppingnetwork.com Instagram: Pamela Gotangco, Zurich & Christian Belaro, London

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NORWAY

124th Philippine Independence celebrations in Norway The Philippine Embassy in Oslo holds Diplomatic reception, Gala night and Kalayaan Norge 2022 Event to commemorate The 124th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence

Text & images courtesy of Philippine Embassy Oslo

T

he Philippine Embassy in Oslo held a diplomatic reception to celebrate the 124th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence at the Oslo Konserthus.

Around 200 guests from the different Norwegian agencies, members of the diplomatic corps and international organizations, Filipino community, and friends and family of Embassy personnel, attended the event.

The diplomatic reception, which Roots&Wings

featured Filipino artists including Oslo-based painters, performers, and a fashion designer, and a Madrid-based flair bartender, proudly showcased the talent and skills of Filipinos, and displayed Philippine culture and heritage.

In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Enrico T. Fos emphasized that to this day, the Philippines is committed to defending its freedom and democratic ideals, especially in the face of various global challenges, and as the country moves toward its post-pandemic recovery.

Ambassador Fos recognized the 74 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and

Norway, marked by bilateral cooperation and shared values such as upholding the rule of law, multilateralism, a rules-based international order, defending human rights, and the pursuit of peace and development. The Ambassador also expressed gratitude to Norway and its people for being a welcoming host to some 25,000 Filipinos working and residing in the country, and another 25,000 Filipino seafarers onboard Norwegian-owned or flagged vessels.

In her message, Director General Tone Elisabeth Baekkevold Allers of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs´ Department for

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TOP: The officers and personnel of the Philippine Embassy in Oslo under the leadership of H.E. Ambassador Enrico Fos (center)

TOP: Filipino-Norwegian performers Sarah Bøhn and Carlisle Sienes change to a relaxed mood with their soothing voices.

LEFT: At the GALA NIGHT, Saturday 4th June led by Philippine Ambassador to Norway H.E. Ambassador Enrico T. Fos.

RIGHT: The fashion show by Oslo-based Filipino fashion designer Mayeth Codoy featured modern renditions of the traditional Filipiniana using the abaca fiber.

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Culture, Business Relations and Protocol, highlighted the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Norway anchored on close cooperation in the maritime sector, renewable energy, and the employment of thousands of Filipinos in Norway and onboard Norwegian ships.

“In the end it is the people who put a face into our bilateral relationship, as thousands of Norwegians travel to the Philippines after the pandemic, and as Filipinos continue to live and work in Norway,” said Director General Allers.

The diplomatic reception was not only a commemoration of the Philippine Independence, but a celebration of the creativity and talent of Filipinos.

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Featured during the diplomatic reception was the exhibit of Filipino painters Hope Baylon and Ruby Alison, who are trained visual artists from Det Tverrfaglige Kunstinstitutt (The Interdisciplinary Art Institute), and a fashion show of the Filipiniana designs of Mayeth Codoy who is the owner of the MYET brand, a collection of Filipiniana wear made from abaca or Manila hemp.

To provide a relaxed and welcoming ambience to the event, Oslo-based performers Sarah Bøhn and Carlisle Sienes rendered Filipino songs with their soothing voices. Sarah Bøhn competed at the Voice of Norge in 2021 while Carlsle Sienes joined the Idol Norge competition in 2018.

The afternoon´s festivities were completed with a flair bartending show by Madrid-based Dennis Adiuba Barela, who is an awarded flair bartender, having won competitions in Spain and in Cuba. Mr. Barela was able to visit Oslo through the cooperation of the Philippine Embassy in Oslo and the Philippine Department of Tourism in London.

The guests were served with cocktail drinks using the Filipino liquor Don Papa Rum, and had a taste of the delicious Filipino delicacies from Oslo-based Filipino caterers Kui Sina and Pastellhus. They were also given souvenir bags with Philippine products Boy Bawang (corn nuts) and dried mangoes.

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MOSCOW

Gabi ng Kundiman Text by Gloria Hernandez-Grejalde

G

abi ng Kundiman kicks off Kalayaan 2022 celebration at Philippine Embassy in Moscow.

A night of classical Filipino music ushered the celebration of the 124th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence at the Embassy in Moscow as it launched the “Gabi ng Kundiman” festival on 13 May 2022 at 7:00 p.m.

Ambassador to Russia Igor G. Bailen said in his welcome remarks that the tradition of “kundiman” (folk songs) is rooted not only from the love for others, but 18

also (for the love) of country. “In joy and sorrow, in victory and loss, music remains a unifying factor for all of us,” he enthused.

He also emphasized the importance of music and culture in fostering unity, strengthening people-to-people ties and promoting greater understanding between (nations). He added that the event was also part of series of activities that the embassy will launch to promote Filipino culture in the country.

“The festival celebrates one of the timeless elements of Filipino culture (and through this, we) aim to enhance knowledge and ap-

124th Philippine Independence

preciation of this art form among Russian and Filipino communities,” he explained.

Mr. Bailen also took pride for initiating the first ever “kundiman” festival saying that “it was a fitting reintroduction of in-person cultural events at the embassy following two years of Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions on gatherings and events.”

Six finalists from the Filipino community joined the musical competition. They were Jocelyn Baldamor who sang “Ang Tangi Kong Pag-ibig” composed by Constancio de Guzman, Gerly Ganelo rendered “Magbalik ka Hirang” composed by Nicanor Abelardo and Jerwin Belmonte belted “Bituin Marikit,” another Abelardo composition.

Maricel Castillo’s piece was “Gaano Kita Kamahal” composed

by Ernani Cuenco, Rosita Advincula had “Pakiusap” composed by Francisco Santiago, and Ana Maria Santos delivered the piece “Saan Ka Man Naroroon” composed by Levi Celerio. Jerwin Belmonte won the competition with his soulful rendition of “Bituing Marikit.”

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Russian students studying Filipino language at the Moscow State University (MSU) were among the guests during the musical event.

Their professor for Philippines Studies, Dr. Ekaterina Baklanova, was one among the three judges.

The two other judges were Madame Judylyn Ferrer, spouse of Deputy Chief of Mission Robert Ferrer, and Engr. Lenin Magallano, a Filipino scholar and entrepreneur.

Vika, one of the Russian students, said that listening to the Filipino songs enhances their appreciation of the Filipino culture.

Meanwhile, the Independence Day celebration will be held at the embassy compound on June 12. A fiesta-like feast awaits the guests and the Filipino community. There will be cultural presentations, bazaar, and food festival.

And as part of the continuing cultural promotion of the embassy, on the pipeline is a drawing contest and painting exhibition that will be held on the date and the place yet to be decided.

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Philippines and Russia share National Day celebration On June 12, as the Philippines celebrates its 124th independence from the Spanish colonization, Russia will commemorate its declaration of its state sovereignty that it attained following the collapsed of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).

Meanwhile, this year marks the 46th year of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Russia that began on June 2, 1976.

The Philippine Independence Ironically, while the Philippines commemorates on June 12 its liberation from over 300 years of Spanish colonization in 1898, the country subsequently fell under another foreign rule, the American.

The United States of America (USA) “bought” us from the Spanish government in the amount of US$20 million after they forged the Treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898. The treaty broke the country’s shackle from the Span-

ish regime. It also facilitated the transfer of sovereignty from Spain of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Guam to the USA. The treaty also ushered the rise of America as a domineering country.

Russia National Day Following the end of the Cold War and the collapsed of the USSR in 1991, Russia, along with 14 others, was formed as an independent nation. The other countries were Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. They once formed the most powerful and the most influential union in the world.

Russia adopted its new name, the Russian Federation on Christmas of 1991. Its national holiday was proclaimed twice, first by the Supreme Soviet of Russia in 1992 and second through a presidential decree that was passed on June 16, 1998, officially naming June 12 as “Russia Day.”

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THE NETHERLANDS

Thousands celebrate at the KFFN Philippine Independence Day Picnic in the Netherlands 2022 Text by Rhea Topacio-Rogacion Image courtesy of LHR Photography for Kalayaan Fiesta Foundation in the Netherlands

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fter 3 years of waiting, Kalayaan Fiesta Foundation in the Netherlands, represented by Ms. Maricel Manalo (President) and Mr. Jason Muñoz (Project Head), received full support from the Philippine Embassy in the Netherlands, and geared up for this year’s celebrations of the Philippine Independence Day Picnic. This year’s team consisted of Pedro, Charlie, Ian, Mara, Joseph, Mary-Ann, and Rhea. They were tasked to organize the program, event grounds, entrance, parking, and promotion of the event.

June 11 came, and as soon as the gates of Spaarnwoude Houtrak, Halfweg, venue of the KFFN Kalayaan Picnic opened at 7am, entrepreneurs, sponsors, vloggers, and guests arrived, and set up vendor stands and personal tents for their barbecue picnic with families and friends.

A mixture of Filipino goods, clothes, beauty products, services and of course, Filipino food, were available for sale during the event. Lines crawled to buy tapsi, ice cream, halo-halo, sisig, bananacue, barbecue, and other Filipino food favorites, across the huge green field.

Barbero (for haircut), massage service and real estate offers were also present that day.

The festivities successfully gathered between 7,0007,500 Filipinos and different nationalities, which is a first for KFFN since 2015. This day-long, fun-filled fair also featured Netherlands-based Filipino talents, from kids, teens, bands, dancers, and singers. There were also cultural workshops conducted for painting, photography, arnis, pangalay dance and hilot. On site, the 20

124th Philippine Independence

first Filipino Independent Film Festival in the Netherlands premiered with 15 finalists from various parts of the world and reviewed by prestigious global juries of directors, actors, and entrepreneurs.

Major sponsor Beagley Copperman, a leading Asian food distributor in Europe, even set up a basketball court in the middle of the field (Filipino’s favorite sport) where kids and adults won prizes and took home giveaways. Other sponsors also had their own games and fun activities where guests won cash, karaoke, phone, and grocery gift packs. A bouncy castle beside the stage where kids enjoyed the entire day was also a plus at the event. Amid the picnic, people went near the stage and witnessed the exhilarating Paro Paro G dance contest. The audience wailed and cheered to vote for their favorite dancer. The crowd favorite Walter’s team, with his belly dancing and floor-sliding moves, took the grand prize.

KFFN’s projects are also instrumental in helping Filipino communities back in the Philippines. This year’s beneficiary is Stichting Sparrow (www.stichtingsparrow.nl), a foundation that gives children in poverty the opportunity to discover and develop their talents. Through their study house, with a team of teachers and social workers, they provide tailor-made study guidance. Their goal is a college degree for every scholar. They also sell a Filipino cookbook in Dutch called “Masarap!”as part of their efforts.

With perfect 20°C weather, tasty food, fun vibe, entertainment, family reunions, friends meet-up, shared food at the picnic tents, good cause and smiling faces, this day is a milestone for the KFFN Team, volunteers, performers, sponsors vendors, and the whole Filipino community in the Netherlands. A true celebration with a cause. Visit KFFN via kffn.nl or Facebook and Instagram pages for more information.

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UK

Para Sa Bayan. For my Motherland.

Reflections & images by Stella Sait

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hen does one become patriotic? During war?

During disasters? Or when you are away from your home country feeling homesick and missing everything you grew up with?

Celebrating Philippine Independence Day in the Philippines meant a beach holiday for me, a school holiday and just a typical day off at work hanging out with friends. I watched the commemoration on TV, but this nev-

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er meant anything to me. I joined the school parades when I was young, but I didn’t feel any attachment to the celebration at all.

When I moved to the UK some 25 years ago, I noticed that it was such a big deal with Filipinos in different parts of my new country. There were barrio fiestas, a delayed Santacruzan, or even simple get-togethers with fellow Pinoys. The weather was starting to heat up in mid-June so barbecue parties were in fashion and who would like to miss a Filipino barbecue (grilled chicken, liempo, pork belly, pusit or

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squid) with aubergine salad and bagoong and finished off with our famous halo halo.

After a few years in the UK, I was requested to be an officer for AngloFilipino UK, a not-for-profit organisation that would foster brotherhood between Filipinos and the Brits, promote our culture in the UK and help our fellow kababayans in times of need like disasters, consul advice. Philippine Independence Day was a key date to celebrate. I was inspired by my invitations to previous Barrio Fiestas and Filipino parties and we at Anglo Filipino vowed to share these events on a bigger scale.

Our first year saw us organising a charity ball where we were asked to wear Filipiniana themed outfits. The ballroom was packed with Filipina ladies dressed in the traditional terno, Maria Clara inspired gowns and the men, Brits and Filipinos were in Barong Tagalog. It was a sight to behold giving me goosebumps and making me feel patriotic at the same time. The very first time I felt it in my heart.

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A group of ladies from the Gosport and Portsmouth, including myself were then requested to dance the Pandanggo sa Ilaw in front of a large crowd of British and European guests and their Filipino families. This performance paved the way for more Filipino folkdance performances in succeeding Barrio Fiestas, charity events and private parties.

The dance group called The Filipino Cultural Group of Gosport and Fareham was then formed and costumes were shipped from the Philippines, folk dances like PayPay de Manila and a Muslim inspired fan dance were choreographed and added to the existing repertoire. Regular practices were also scheduled. It became the official dance group of AngloFilipino UK.All of us felt proud of our Filipino heritage and culture.

We enjoyed every minute of our practice sessions and performances, explaining the history and meaning of our performances to our British and European families and friends.

This is patriotism for me.

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n response to a growing interest in the purple root sensation all over social media, the Philippine Consulate General Frankfurt finally brought “ube” to Germany through the “Ube Fiesta in Germany” which took place on June 4, 2022. The event showcased for the first time a variety of ube food creations and other Filipino dishes and drinks.

As the event was also held to celebrate Philippine Independence Day, there were interesting cultural presentations and an art exhibition in cooperation with the Filipino Mission in the Archdiocese of Cologne.

What is Ube? Ube (purple yam or dioscorea alata) is a type of tuberous root crop commonly grown in the Philippines. This root vegetable with a royal purple hue is not a sweet potato, but closely related, similarly starchy and sweet. Of the four main varieties of ube, the ‘kinampay’ is considered the “Queen of Purple Yams.’

Taste of Ube Ube is known for its nutty and creamy taste and most especially for its vibrant purple color. The tubers can be eaten boiled, baked, roasted, in flakes

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GERMANY

FIRST EVER UBE FIESTA SPARKS UBE FOOD TREND IN GERMANY Text & images courtesy of the Philippine Consulate in Frankfurt

or chips and processed into powder while dehydrated yam slices are for food preparation such as ice cream, cakes, pastries, salads, pastas and other desserts. For recipes, visit www.ubefiesta.de.

Ube is Healthy Ube is an excellent source of dietary fiber and antioxidants that prevent cancer. It is rich in carbohydrates, potassium, vitamin C, and phytonutrients.

The purple pigment comes from anthocyanin which has pro-health and anti-inflammatory benefits. It regulates metabolism, improves heart function and increases good cholesterol levels.

Ube is Sustainable Ube is part of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)’s list of 39 high potential crops based on the established criteria of nutrition, agro-ecology and socio-economic considerations that contributes towards the Zero Hunger goal. Ube is considered one of the Future Smart Foods (FSF) that are nutrition dense, climate-resilient, economic table and locally available or adaptable.

Rediscovering the hidden treasures of Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) such as ube and the creation of

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an enabling environment for the promotion, production, marketing and consumption of FSFs assure healthy diets in future.

In the Philippines, local farming communities like the indigenous Aeta farmers, are being trained by both government and non-government organizations on crop diversification, conservation agriculture, and enterprise management in order to increase ube harvest and get the compensation they deserve for their purple crop.

Ube is Trendy Current global culinary trends particularly the growing popularity of plant-based diets and similar food trends in Germany such as “Conscious Indulgence,” “Experience Beyond the Imagined,” and “ Shaping a Better World,” provided an opportunity to introduce next food items that are not only healthy and sustainable but also

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novel enough to tickle the senses and provide an impressive and interactive experience. Ube has become popular in the international culinary scene with sustainable and fair trade produce proving popular to consumers and generating interest in a more diverse selection of produce.

Ube is Filipino For Filipinos, ube is not just a trend.

Filipinos have particularly passed down sweet and savory recipes of ube for generations. Its many forms have been part of Filipino fiesta banquets and special occasions. Bohol, a province in south-central Philippines where ube has been cherished for half a millennium, has institutionalized an annual Bohol Ube Festival to recognize the purple root as the agro-historical, geographical and religious symbol of the province. Ube is indeed part of the Filipino culture and heritage.

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PHILIPPINES

My Siquijor Text & images by Grace Sumalpong

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y family traces our roots to the little island of Siquijor in Central Visayas in the Philippines. It’s often called the Island of Fire or Isla del Fuego. During the Spanish times, it is said that during moonless nights, the island looked like it was on fire due to the fireflies dotting the trees that were visible across the sea in Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental. It’s also called mystic island, or the island of magic and witchcraft for its sigbins (mythical beast), mambabarangs (sorcerers) and mananambals (healers). But for us locals, it’s our little-known secret island, a place of refuge and res-

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pite from the noise and bustle of city life. My family’s place is in Campalanas, Lazi, where you can find the 400 old balete tree.

A visit to the island can be done in a day or 2.

Some visitors keep coming back. Others come back and decide to stay for good.

To have a lay of the land, it is best to take a tour around the island first. At 70 kms of good coastal roads, one gets to see all 6 towns - Siquijor, Larena, Enrique Villanueva, Maria, Lazi and San Juan, like a ‘hop-on-hop-off’ tour. It is a tradition among locals to go around the island (we call this “mo round”) especially if we have not been home for some time and drop in at any of our favorite churches.

There’s something for everyone to do - visit old churches and convent, go to the beach or waterfalls, go up the hills and mountain, go down a cave, see the old balete tree, visit a mananambal, check out some unique places, and of course, try some local delicacies.

My hometown Lazi prides itself in the old Catholic church of San Isidro Labrador, declared a Nation-

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al Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines. Just across it is the Lazi convent, said to be one of the oldest and biggest in the Philippines.

The convent now houses a museum of interesting religious artifacts and statues. Other churches worth a visit can be found in the capital town of Siquijor (St. Francis of Assisi) and Maria (Santa Maria).

For beach persons, there are a lot of places to go to swim, snorkel, or dive, or to simply walk on the beach or watch the sunset.

In one of my recent visits, I discovered the little known Paliton Beach, in Paliton, Siquijor. You can laze around and lie down on its fine white sandy beach to soothe yourself after taking a dip in its cool waters.

Several white sand beaches can be found San Juan town where most resorts are located. It is likewise the best place in the island to watch the sunset.

And to cool yourself, you may check out Capilay Spring Water Park right in the center of San Juan or go up to Campalanas in Lazi to see the old balete tree where you can dip your feet in its cool spring waters.

Back in the day, we used to wash our clothes here and swim while waiting for the clothes to dry and bring home spring water to drink.

There are 3 waterfalls in the island. One of these is Cambugahay Falls, about 2km from the center of Lazi and 135 steps down to reach one of the 3-tiered falls. Here, one can swim across or take a raft to get under the falls or go rope diving. Make sure you still have the energy to go back up as it can be an arduous climb.

For the more adventurous types, there are caves to explore like Cantabon cave in Siquijor town. Be mesmerized by its stalactite and stalagmite formations.

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I suggest you go in with a local guide who knows the nooks and crannies inside the cave and bring you safely down to the underground pool.

If you happen to be in the island during Holy Week, you can visit a mananambal and watch him make his potion of roots, leaves, twigs that he gathers from the mountains and mixes with coconut oil. There are love potions (lumay) or lana (oil) to drive away evil spirits.

A form of healing called bolobolo is popular with the locals. The mananambal uses a bamboo tube and swirls water with his magic stone until something pops up in the glass. In my case, when I complained of itchiness in my legs, grass suddenly came out.

He repeated the process several times until the glass became clear. My uncle had poor eyesight and out came shredded newspaper. And for my aunt, there were orchid leaves and roots.

Other interesting places to drop in are Kanheron Ranch in Olo, Siquijor. Here you can find a wide array of old west articles and unique artworks of the owner. There’s a butterfly sanctuary, Olang Arts Park in Olang, Maria town and for Friday nights, the place to be is Czar’s Place in Maite, San Juan.

My favorite delicacies are bibingka (ricecake) and fresh salawaki (sea urchin) in San Juan. You will have to go early as they run out quickly.

Before leaving the island, drive to Elena’s bakery along the coast of Talingting for some pasalubong of local bread, giant otap, and torta.

And if you plan on going back, it just shows that the lumay got you hooked! So come to my island and be hooked and bewitched by its natural beauty and allure.

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FRANCE

Toulouse: The Pink City and its many exciting colors Text & images by Jeffrey Cabuay

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eople call it the Pink City or “La Ville Rose” in French. It is the only place in France given such a very “colorful” title.

You might ask the question if it’s really pink? Not really... but it does produce pinkish hues when the sunlight shines on houses and monuments mostly made of red-pink clay bricks typical of

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the place. Some describe the combination of the bricks and the architectural features change with the sunlight: pink in the morning, crimson in midday, and purple when the sun slumbers behind the landscape. These clays were introduced in the 1st century when the city was a Roman colony. Toulouse was called Tolosa during Roman times. Among the more famous brickmade monuments is the Basilica of St.

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Sernin, one of the largest remaining Romanesque buildings in Europe. It is counted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another monument is the Capitole, commissioned by the Capitouls, which has always been the seat of power and administration of the city since the 12th century.

Pastel Blue was the color that made Toulouse one of the richest and most powerful places in France because it became the center of the Pastel trade.

Pastel was made from a plant called Woad cultivated in southwest France.

This is a dye mostly used in textiles and was exported to different countries.

Merchants became very wealthy trading blue gold and as a consequence were able to exhibit their affluence through the construction of splendid mansions.

A lot of these mansions are existing today and Toulouse retains some of 28

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the finest private mansions in Europe.

One example of this mansion is the Hotel D’Assezat, which is a Renaissance masterpiece. In modern times, Pastel is also being used to produce beauty and health products.

Michel Sarran, a 2-starred Michelin chef, who has a restaurant in Toulouse that bears his name, describes the place, “It’s a city of people. It’s uncomplicated. It’s unpretentious. For me, it sums up rurality, in all its beauty and authenticity. Toulouse is a countrified city.” He further adds that as a restaurateur he doesn’t need to go far to find his ingredients. Truffles, foie gras, and suckling lamb can all be found in the area.

For the gourmets, some of the specialties of Toulouse are the Cassoulet, a slow-cooked casserole containing one or more different types of meat like sausage, duck, goose, pork combined

TOULOUSE AT A GLANCE

90 MINUTES FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN

2 HOURS FROM THE ATLANTIC 3 HOURS TO BARCELONA, SPAIN 1 HOUR DRIVE FROM THE PYRENEES SKI SLOPES

140K STUDENTS 1/3 OF THE POPULATION IS UNDER 35

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with white beans; the Confit de Canard or Duck confit, a once common food now being used in high-end restaurants; and the Toulouse sausage whose recipe remains unchanged since the 18th century.

The Toulouse Violet flower is also one of the symbols of the Pink City. It is said that Violets arrived in Toulouse because one of Napoleon III’s army officers brought home the flower to his fiancée from his travels in Italy. “In the language of flowers, violets symbolize decency and modesty. Offering someone a bouquet of these flowers means: “I secretly love you.” The heart-shaped flowers have 300 species and are in the Conservatoire National de la Violette in Toulouse. They are cultivated to produce delicacies, decorations, fragrances, textiles, cosmetics, and even liquor.

The passion for rugby wears the colors red and black on the Toulouse Roots&Wings

rugby team called Stade Toulousain, which is one of the most successful rugby teams in Europe. The group has won more than 21 French Cup victories and 5 European Championships.

Toulouse is the 4th largest city in France after Paris, Marseille, and Lyon.

It is the aeronautics and aerospace capital of Europe and is home to the aeronautics company, Airbus. The University of Toulouse is one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in 1229 and the city is the 4th largest university campus in France.

The City of Toulouse is often overlooked by tourists, but it is one of France’s most historic and fascinating cities with a 2000-year old history.

The climate has mild winters and warm highs of about 30 degrees Celsius. It is also the home of hundreds of Filipinos who add color to its already colorful culture.

Toulouse according to Chef Michel Sarran: HTTPS://BIT.LY/3J9ZLL2

Toulouse: HTTPS://BIT.LY/3UD7IML Song “Toulouse” by Claude Nougaro: HTTPS://BIT.LY/3X6JPXF References: Toulouse a tout websites. Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées 2011 book, editions tme, TRAVELFRANCEONLINE.COM. Chef Michel Sarran’s video of Toulouse.

Photo credits: Actu.fr, Hotel Le Prado, Graine de Pastel, Toulouse Tourisme, Cuisine AZ, Carrement Belle, La Depeche, Airbus

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SRoots&Wings PONSORED

SPAIN

ConGen Tess Lazaro, bringing fresh perspective in Barcelona

Text by Donna Avellana Künzler

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apas, Sangria, Gaudi, shopping, and the beach…these are the things I associate most with Barcelona. But what was it like to move there as a diplomat tasked with reopening a consulate during the pandemic?

Enter Consul General Maria Theresa “Tess” Sta. Maria Lazaro, who landed in Barcelona just March of last year and has hit the ground running ever since.

A career diplomat Consul General Lazaro entered the foreign service in 1999, and has held a number of positions which include as Second Secretary and Consul in the Philippine Embassy in London, Minister and Consul in the Philippine Embassy in Berne, and just before moving to Spain, as Executive Director of the

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Office of Consular Affairs (OCA). She has a doctorate in Philippine Studies from the University of the Philippines (UP). Prior to joining the foreign service, she was an Assistant Professor at the Department of History, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy in UP Diliman.

How did she end up in foreign service? She recounts, “Foreign service has always fascinated me. When I was taking my Master’s degree, I had classmates interested in joining the foreign service and a number of them took the Foreign Service Officers’ (FSO) exam.

In my case, it was not until I was taking my doctoral degree that I took the exam, upon the prodding of an ambassador who was then a part-time lecturer at the University where I was affiliated.”

Making a difference With over two decades of being a diplomat, what does she look forward

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to when starting a new tour of duty?

She remarks, “I always look forward to learning and experiencing new culture, meeting new people, new challenges, making new friends and, of course, achieving many things during my term. It feels good to be able to accomplish things that people will remember you by long after you’ve completed your tour of duty.”

One of Consul General Lazaro’s favorite highlights during her diplomatic career is the project with Swiss foundation, Glückskette. The project raised a remarkable CHF 46m for the Haiyan victims in an overnight telethon. She narrates, “It was a memorable experience seeing Filipinos readily volunteering in the telethon and even preparing food for those who participated. The Swiss were very impressed! It was truly a bayanihan at work. After the telethon, we staged “Danke Schweiz” events where Filipinos gave away hugs and goodies to the Swiss and staged caroling events in the Bahnhof as a way of expressing our gratitude.”

Her Tour of Duty in Barcelona After almost three years in Manila, Consul General Lazaro found herself in Europe once again to run the Philippine Consulate in Barcelona. She quips, “You know, being in the foreign service is also like being an OFW. We get assigned to a particular country and 32

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live there for a certain number of years.

Since Barcelona is my third posting in Europe, there has really been no major adjustment personally, except for looking for a place to stay.”

True enough, after finding an apartment, she was immediately occupied with her consular duties. She recounts, “Barcelona is a challenging post in so many ways. It’s been close to ten years since we last had a career diplomat here.

We had to start everything practically from scratch. On the other hand, starting anew allows us to innovate, be creative and introduce measures that can help us serve our constituents better.” And given the pandemic situation, one of the first things she did was install protective barriers in the consular area and implement health and safety protocols.

In just a little over a year, this diplomat was able to introduce policies aimed at making consular services more accessible. These include the extension of public hours, doubling the availability of appointment slots, single appointment for multiple services, priority appointments for senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities, and the opening of the Consulate every first Saturday of the month for those who cannot come during weekdays. The Kumustahan sa Konsulado also started last year as a platform to connect directly with the Filipino community and to help the

We want our kababayans to treat this Consulate as their home away from home and to feel comfortable discussing with us their concerns and issues.

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Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro administers the Oath of Allegiance to Filipinos who applied for the retention/reacquisition of their Philippines citizenship under Philippine Republic Act 9225.

consulate be more inclusive and implement policies and programs that respond to the needs of the community.

Consul General Lazaro explains, “We want our kababayans to treat this Consulate as their home away from home and to feel comfortable discussing with us their concerns and issues. We want them to be happy with our service and to leave the Consulate satisfied.”

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The Consulate also works closely with the Philippine Embassy in Madrid to come up with programs to help Filipinos with irregular status to be regularized, and for the diplomas of Filipino registered nurses to be recognized.

Exciting times indeed for our kababayans in Barcelona. Wishing Consul General Lazaro all the best in her tour of duty!

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GERMANY

Philippine Hon. Consul Dr. Axel Neumahr celebrates 5th year of duty Interview by Rebecca Urbancik Garcia Images courtesy of Phil. Honorary Consulate Baden-Württemberg

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lthough a certified Attorney in Commercial and Corporate Law by profession, to many Filipinos and Germans alike, Dr. Axel Neumahr is also well known for his role as the Philippine Honorary Consul for Baden-Württemberg.

Dr. Neumahr completed his studies at the Universities of Tübingen and Leiden/Netherlands. He received his doctorate in 1999 from the University of Tübingen under Prof. Dr. Kerner. Before co-founding 34

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Reith Neumahr Rechtsanwälte in 2005 (until 2014, Reith Schick & Partner), he worked for a commercial law firm in Stuttgart in the areas of corporate law and mergers & acquisitions (M&A). He has been a partner at BRP Renaud und Partner mbB since 2019.

Dr. Neumahr is also active in training and further education, a lecturer at the University of Hohenheim and at the Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University.

As Dr. Neumahr celebrates his 5th year in the service of the Filipino community, I am pleased to share his insight and experience on his role, as well as some of the goals and projects he envisions for the PhilRoots&Wings

ippine Honorary Consulate in Baden-Württemberg moving forward.

How did you assume your role as Honorary Consul? What sparked your interest about the Philippines?

During the course of my profession as a lawyer, I happened to meet Prof. Dr. Gerhard Zeidler, the former Honorary Consul General for Baden-Württemberg from 2002 to 2016. Sometime in his last term of duty in 2016, he asked me if I would like to take over his role when he goes into his well-deserved retirement. I was, of course, very honoured that he chose me as as his successor among his numerous business contacts.

However, like all major decisions, I had given it some thought before giving my answer — not because I did not want to accept it but because I wanted to make sure I could fulfill the responsibilities that go with it.

I heard that you visited the Philippines when you assumed your position as Honorary Consul. How was your visit?

Yes, we went on a Country Appreciation Business Mission to the Philippines in February 2018 together with the newly-appointed Honorary Consuls in Germany and those from other European countries.

We had meetings in Manila with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to familiarize ourselves both with diplomatic and trade relations as well as business directions of the country. We also went to some of the top holiday destination islands such as El Nido in Palawan, Panglao in Bohol, and Cebu.

What are your impressions of the Philippines, Filipinos in general, and more specifically the Filipino community in (Stuttgart) Germany? Are there any significant traits / characteristics that you have observed as Honorary Consul?

The Philippines is certainly on its own economic boom and the high consumption habits of the Filipinos are evident with all the huge shopping malls in various commercial centers. Amidst the modernization, its colonial past is integrated in the metropolis.

The Churches brought about by Christianization during the Spanish time and later on its era under the Americans can be seen through the architecture of government buildings and the iconic jeepneys form part of its distinguished identity as a country.

It is also interesting to know the strong influence of the Chinese in the country and that “Binondo”, a city in Manila, is the world’s oldest Chinatown having been established in the 1590s by the Spaniards as a Roots&Wings

settlement for the Catholic Chinese.

As for my impression of the Filipino people, I have not heard of any foreign nationals who have not been amazed by the friendliness and hospitality of the Filipinos. The Tourism Department has a promotional advertisement which says “When you are with Filipinos, you are with Family.” That is exactly how it is.

The Filipinos will give the best of what they have for a guest, be it in terms of food, shelter and treatment.

The same characteristic also speaks for the Filipino Community in Stuttgart. They are very cohesive and co-exist among each other. We have around 10 Filipino organizations that regularly create social, cultural and religious events for the community.

The Filipinos here are also very supportive of each other. It is unlikely to find any hungry or homeless Filipinos in the streets of Germany as the spirit of “bayanihan“ or being there for each other is very much alive in the community.

Other than that, the world knows that nothing compares to the Filipinos’ resiliency and optimism which help them survive even the worst disaster and crisis. The Filipinos here in Baden-Württemberg are no different.

Congratulations on your 5th year of duty as Honorary Consul. What was the most significant activity and/or role you’ve had as Honorary Consul?

Thank you. Yes, it has been 5 years since I got my Exequatur in March 2017, officially confirming my function as Honorary Consul.

The first few years went well. However, as for most of us, the last two years have been challenging. Nevertheless, we were able to overcome those hurdles and also managed to have a number of accomplishments.

One of the most significant activities we had was when we joined the very first „Lange Nacht der Konsulate“ (Long Night of the Consulates) in Baden-Württemberg in September 2020. It was organized by the State Ministry for Justice and for Europe which is also responsible for the tourism and cultural affairs of the federal state.

With the support of the Philippine Consulate General and the Department of Tourism in Frankfurt, we participated in the event by holding a Philippine Fashion Show and presented the traditional and creative designs of Milan-based Filipino designer, Lionell Christian Lanuzo. It also allowed us to showcase the various holiday destinations in the Philippines through video presentations, a display of tourism brochures and by giving out samples of typical Filipino food.

Aside from that, the celebration of the Philippine

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Independence Day, together with the Philippine Embassy in Berlin (PE Berlin) and the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Frankfurt, is always a highlight and an important milestone for us because it gives us the opportunity to do our primary role in promoting cultural, culinary, tourism and economic diplomacies in just one event. Through networking with the business community, we are also able to tap potential businesses for the Philippines and for the Honorary Consulate.

In 2018, we had the opportunity to promote Investment in the Philippines as we celebrated Philippine Independence Day with leading German brands such as Stihl and Porsche. Dr. Nikolas Stihl, Chairman of the Advisory and Supervisory Board of the Stihl Group best known for their motorized chainsaw, was one of our Guest Speakers during the event. In 2016, this German manufacturing giant invested Php2.5 billion (more than US$ 50 million) in a 60,000 square-meter production facility in Sto. Tomas, Batangas located south of Manila through its Hong Kong-based subsidiary Zama Corporation.

Dr. Stefan Lutz and Mr. Torsten Klavs who were responsible for After Sales Market and Qualification and Support for Porsche AG also shared their testimonies in choosing the Philippines as an important partner in implementing their business strategies.

Since 2008, Porsche AG, Porsche Philippine im36

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porter/dealer PGA Cars Incorporated and the Don Bosco Technical Institute in Manila, have opened their doors for underprivileged but deserving Filipino youth. Every year, around 30 Don Bosco scholars are sent to the Porsche Training and Recruitment Center Asia (PTRCA) in Manila which is the first of such facility outside Baden-Württemberg, the home of Porsche in Germany. Some of the outstanding graduates from among these scholars have also been trained here in Germany and we have had the opportunity of meeting three of them in November 2019 during their training at Porsche in Zuffenhausen in Baden-Württemberg.

In 2019, the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Stuttgart with the support of the Filipino Community also hosted the world-renowned Imusicapella Choir from Cavite who were then doing their European Tour and joining various International Choir Competitions in Germany, France, and Italy.

To what extent has the pandemic affected your role / activities?

Before I answer that, please allow me to say that throughout the Pandemic, the PHC Stuttgart never stopped rendering service and, except for our usual seasonal breaks, we never really closed our office.

At the onset of the lockdown in March 2020 until about a year later, we were busy helping out PE Berlin and PCG Frankfurt both in the „Rescue Mission“ Roots&Wings

initiated by the German government and the „Repatriation Mission“ on the Philippine government’s side.

Although we were not issuing visas to foreign nationals and applications for consular services became minimal, we were, however, pre-occupied with providing Assistance to Nationals (ATN), both Germans and Filipinos, who were separated from their loved ones, in either in the Philippines or in Germany, and those caught in a difficult situation due to work and/or holiday-related Schengen Visa issues.

Likewise, the policies on reduced social contact meant less opportunity for me as an Honorary Consul to do my role in promoting the Philippines in some of the major events that we used to participate in.

For example, every year in January, the Philippines through the Department of Tourism in Frankfurt in cooperation with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is always part of the world’s biggest Holiday and Caravaning Fair called CMT Urlaubsmesse which takes place in Stuttgart.

We have been supporting this event by attending to the Philippine booth and joining designated events for members of the Consular Corps. This week-long event draws hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors yearly not only from Germany but from neighboring European countries as well. Unfortunately, such an event had to be cancelled or reduced

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to a virtual variety due to the Pandemic these last 2 years.

However, towards Autumn of last year, we were still able to do some physical events such as a Welcome Reception for the new batch of Triple Win Nurses.

The Triple Win Program is an employment agreement between the German Society for International Cooperation and the Central Placement Services of the German Federal Employment Agency for the sustainable recruitment of nursing staff from abroad, such as the Philippines.

We also had some other collaborative activities with the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt such as the two Consular Mobile Outreaches held in the cities of Leonberg and Ulm alongside an Art Exhibit and Food Festival.

In addition, we had pioneering virtual activities done through social media where we profile outstanding members of the Filipino Community in Baden-Württemberg called „Tao at Serbisyo: Ang Galing ng Pilipino“ in cooperation with the Filipino Nurses’ Community in Germany (FNC-Germany) and The Filipino Channel or TFC in Europe.

Could you share any goals you envision for the Honorary Consulate this year - or in the near future?

Are there any projects / events Filipinos in Stuttgart can look forward to?

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Our immediate goal for this year is to refresh and expand our relationship with the German business sector by doing a physical celebration of the 124th Philippine Independence Day and hopefully gain back the interest of potential investors, enticing them to explore doing business in the Philippines, With the change in administration and tourism slowly getting back into full swing for international travelers, we believe it is time to work on recovering the lost opportunities brought about by the pandemic.

While our relationship with the Filipino Community is very much stable, our goal is to keep the Filipino Community intact and functional from one generation to the next. The Filipino Community is the bloodline of any diplomatic mission, such as an Honorary Consulate, in a foreign country. It is therefore important that the nationals of the country which we represent are unified while we work on expanding our network with the foreign business community.

We are also in partnership with the University DHBW, the Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University Stuttgart or Duale Hochschule Baden-Wuerttemberg Stuttgart, DHBW. It is one of the largest universities in the Stuttgart and Upper Neckar regions. The most important feature of this University is the integration of theory and practical experience. Students regularly switch between theo38

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retical phases at the university and practical phases at the work placement. That means, students studying at this university are in a bit of a ‘hybrid’ model — they spend half of their time at the university, and the other half working at companies such as Bosch, Mercedes-Benz, or Porsche.

Headed by Professor Uwe Swoboda, the Media, Sales and Communication Scientific Director of the Center for Media Management, these students also have a study where they visit countries for a film project.. Their last project was in Ethiopia, for example.

I spoke with Professor Swoboda and encouraged him to film their next project in the Philippines. He and some of his students are probably still traveling around the Philippines as of this writing. Prior to their travel, the Honorary Consulate provided DHBW the necessary contacts, addresses, destination to visit in the Philippines, both in Manila and in the provinces. Once the movie project is complete, the film will be screened in one of the theatres within a Cinema Complex at Stuttgart’s City Centre with 300400 invitees.

Are there any special plans for the month of June, particularly the Philippine Independence Day? Yes, we have a couple of events in celebration of the Roots&Wings

Philippine Independence Day. We will be doing a Filipino Food Festival together with the Filipino and German Community at the Sta. Maria Church in Stuttgart. This Church has served as a Filipino stronghold and a magnet holding the Filipinos together in prayer during the 2-year pandemic.

Just like pre-pandemic, we are again hosting a reception and expecting about 100 guests composed of dignitaries from the business sector and colleagues from the Consular Corps within Baden-Württemberg.

For this year’s Independence Day Celebration, we are inviting Mr. Hartmut Jenner, CEO of Kärcher, a German company specializing in cleaning technology. Mr. Jenner will be talking about Cultural Sponsoring.

Kärcher put up a Service Center in Alabang, Muntinlupa in 2016. Since then, they have restored three important landmarks in the Philippines back to its splendor. These landmarks were the Rizal Monument in 2017, the Edsa Monument in 2018 and the San Agustin Church in 2019.

Throughout the evening, half Filipino singer-songwriter Simon Paterno will be entertaining us with his singing prowess and talent in playing the piano.

His real name is Jens Simon Petersen but, as he told us, he uses the name Simon Paterno as his artist name in honor of his late Filipina mother from Roots&Wings

whom he acquired his singing talent. In cooperation with the Philippine Department of Tourism, we will also be promoting places to visit in the Philippines through a display of destination brochures and as well as tourism videos throughout the evening.

We hope to attract Filipinos and Germans alike to reminisce and learn the vast opportunities the Philippines has to offer…

What message do you wish to impart to Filipinos in the area of Germany?

It is our wish that the solidarity and “Bayanihan“ of the Filipinos will remain strong as it is.

We also encourage the young generation to create their own groups. We already have a strong community of nurses and religious groups.

We could still establish a community of engineers, doctors, performing artists, gourmet chefs, writers and so many other groups that could help create a stronger Filipino Community in Baden-Württemberg.

As Dr. Jose Rizal once said, “the youth is the hope of our future“ and we believe they are.

Thank you very much, Vielen dank, Dr. Neumahr for your time and congratulations once again on your 5th year of duty as Honorary Consul! Mabuhay!

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VIENNA

Envisioning Vienna - CDA Mrs. Irene Susan B. Natividad Text & images by Anton Miguel de Vera

The Consular Desk Service at the Philippine Embassy in Vienna, Austria

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n the 19th of May 2022, I had the pleasure and opportunity to speak to Mrs. Irene Susan B. Natividad. Highly ranked as Chief of Mission I in the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Philippines, and now the new Chargé D’ Affaires, ad interim (CDA) and Acting Permanent Representative—the head representative or the person in-charge for a period of time—of the Embassy and Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Philippines in Vienna, Austria. Since 1993, CDA Natividad has been working in the DFA for 29 years.

At this opportune moment, CDA Natividad and I discussed her story with the DFA and the field of Filipino diplomacy. Sharing her experience upon entering the DFA, her memories in previous posts (Embassies/Missions), and her current thoughts and aspirations in her current post in Austria. From there, I was able to take notes from her words about the different aspects of being a Filipino diplomat.

Before joining the DFA, CDA Natividad worked in a law firm as Assistant Lawyer and handled com-

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plaints and defense of clients before the courts.

Soon afterwards, CDA Natividad took the Foreign Service Officer Examination (FSO) and joined the DFA. She decided to join the DFA as she had always been fascinated with International Law. Joining the DFA gave her the chance to be exposed to it. Because of her law background, she took on assignments in the Office of Legal Affairs where she became the Head of the Treaties Division and dealt with bilateral and multilateral agreements. She rose to become the Assistant Secretary for the office.

The foreign service felt like an “entirely different” experience from law practice initially, she said. But CDA Natividad realized that the skills she learned from practising law helped her transition to her job in the Foreign Affairs. Apart from legal affairs, CDA Natividad also worked as a Special Assistant to the Undersecretary for Administration in the DFA, and prior to arriving in Vienna, she was the Chief of Staff and Chief Coordinator of the Office of the Secretary in the DFA. Roots&Wings

Prior to Austria, CDA Natividad worked in many parts of the world as a Filipino diplomat. Her first assigned post was in Ottawa, Canada as Third Secretary and Vice-Consul. Her second assignment was in Honolulu, Hawaii, as Consul and followed afterwards by a posting in Singapore. Most notably, she was the Deputy Permanent Representative to the Philippine Mission to the UN in New York, USA, and was also the Consul General in Milan, Italy.

When asked about what were some of her memorable experiences in any of those posts, she answered that each posting provided unique and good experiences for her. Her post in Ottawa, Canada for instance, was enjoyable. As a young officer, it was an exciting time for her to live in another country. It was a good place to raise her children. Canada had a safe environment with various activities for kids allyear round. “The work itself was not too heavy”, she commented, “providing balance between work and home life”.

Her time in other posts also gave her opportunities and some proved to be challenging at times. In the Consulates in Honolulu and Milan she did her best to help Filipinos who were distressed abroad and in need of emergency assistance by maintaining good relationships with the host country and recognizing its laws. Her assignments in Singapore and New York provided her the exposure to multilateral work and how important it was to reach out to others and make compromises for a common goal.

From her time in each post, CDA Natividad acknowledges that there will always be ways to improve the service they provide for our kababayans abroad, making it easier and more comfortable for them. During her time in Milan as Consul General, for example, she opened the Consulate on select Sundays of each month to help many kababayans in need of passport renewals or authentication services, so they did not need to take a leave from work. In a similar manner, she also instituted several outreach missions (like most Philippine Embassies elsewhere) outside of Milan for consular services, bringing Embassy services “closer” to kababayans living far from Milan.

CDA Natividad also organised an annual Filipino Community General Assembly in Milan and she hopes to do the same in Vienna. This will allow the Philippine Embassy to interact with Filipino community leaders, discuss issues and what has been done or needs to be done to address issues, and plan projects for the year with them. From her first meeting with the community, the Philippine Embassy was able to provide general updates and responses to the community’s concerns on the elections in the Roots&Wings

CDA Irene Susan B. Natividad

Philippines and the voting system.

At the end of our discussion, CDA Natividad was able to share her thoughts on what to expect during her post here as the Charge D’Affaires,a.i. and Acting Permanent Representative of the Embassy and the Permanent Mission in Vienna, Austria. CDA Natividad looks forward to meeting more of her kapwa kababayans here in Austria. She also looks forward to the Embassy’s participation in community projects, such as the parade and the Barrio Fiesta (an annual Filipino Festival held in Vienna during the summer) and other projects. She sees the Filipino community associations here in Vienna as partners.

Afterall, she says, “We all strive for the same goal which is to help our kababayans and promote our country. By the end of her posting here in Vienna, she hopes that she would have accomplished her objective of working with and for the Filipino community and assisting its members, and that she can reflect on these experiences as something personally fulfilling and good.

This article would not have been possible without the assistance of the Embassy and Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Philippines in Vienna, Austria. Maraming Salamat po!

Foreign Affairs

41

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.

AUSTRIA

Tel (+45) 7141-5952

60322 Frankfurt Am Main

Embassy of the Philippines, Vienna

Emergency (+45) 2273-3933

H.E. Irene Susan B. Natividad

Email: copenhagen.pe@dfa.gov.ph

Federal Republic of Germany

Chargé d’Affaires, ad interim

Facebook: @PHinDenmark

Tel (+49) (0) 69 8700 66900

20th and 21st Floor, ARES Tower

WWW.COPENHAGENPE.DFA.GOV.PH

Hotline (+49) (0) 151 6248 7425

Donau-City-Strasse 11, A-1220 Vienna, Austria

Assistance to Nationals (+49) (0) 151 5354 6841

FINLAND

Email: frankfurt.pcg@dfa.gov.ph

Tel (+43-1) 533-2401

Embassy of the Philippines, Greater Helsinki

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/

Emergency Tel (+43-6991) 232-2034

Vice Consul, ad honorem Mdme. Teresita

PHinFrankfurt/

Email: vienna.pe@dfa.gov.ph

Zurbano Ruutu

WWW.FRANKFURTPCG.DE

vienna.pm@dfa.gov.ph

Ukonkivenpolku 3e, Fi-01610 Vantaa, Finland

WWW.FRANKFURTPCG.DFA.GOV.PH/

WWW.VIENNAPE.DFA.GOV.PH

Tel (+358) 407 071 817 EMAIL: TERESITA.RUUTU@SAUNALAHTI.FI

BELGIUM Embassy of the Philippines, Brussels

GREECE Embassy of the Philippines, Athens

FRANCE

H.E. Ambassador Giovanni E. Palec

H.E. Ambassador Eduardo José A. De Vega

Embassy of the Philippines, Paris

26 Antheon Street, Paleo Psychico 154-52

297 Avenue Moliere, Brussels, 1050 BELGIUM

H.E Ambassador Junever M. Mahilum-West

Athens, Greece

Tel (+32-2) 34033-77 to 78

4 Hameau de Boulainvilliers

Tel (+30210) 672-1883

Emergency Tel (+32-4) 8860-9177

45 Rue du Ranelagh

(+30210) 672-1883

Email: brussels.pe@dfa.gov.ph;

75016 Paris, France

672-1837

brusselspe@gmail.com

Tel (+331) 4414-5700

Emergency (+30-697) 968-2921,

Facebook: @PHinBelgium

(+331) 4414-5700 4414-5701/2 (Consular)

(+30-697) 968-2921

WWW.BRUSSELSPE.DFA.GOV.PH

Emergency (+336) 2059-2515 (+336) 2059-2515

Email: athens.pe@dfa.gov.ph;

Email: paris.pe@dfa.gov.ph

ATHENSPE@OTENET.GR

CZECH REPUBLIC

parispe.dfa@gmail.com

Embassy of the Philippines, Prague

Facebook: @PHinFrance

H.E. Ambassador Mr. Ombra T. Jainal

WWW.PARISPE.DFA.GOV.PH

Senovazne Namesti 8, Prague 1, 110 00 Czech Republic

HUNGARY Embassy of the Philippines, Budapest H.E. Ambassador Frank R. Cimafranca

GERMANY

1026 Budapest, Gabor Aron utca 58

Tel (+420) 224-216397

Embassy of the Philippines, Berlin

Budapest, Hungary

(+420) 224-216397 /

H.E. Ambassador Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega

Tel (+36-1) 391-4300

224-216385

Luisenstrasse 16, 10117 Berlin-Mitte

Email: budapest.pe@dfa.gov.ph /

Emergency Tel (+420) 607-850-764

Federal Republic of Germany

phbuda@philembassy.hu

Email: prague.pe@dfa.gov.ph;

Tel +49 (0) 30 864 95 00

Facebook: @PHLinHungary

praguepe@gmail.com

Emergency +49 (0) 173-521-5703

WWW.BUDAPESTPE.DFA.GOV.PH

Facebook: @PHinCzechRepublic

Email: info@philippine-embassy.de, consular@

WWW.PRAGUEPE.DFA.GOV.PH

philippine-embassy.de

DENMARK

ISRAEL

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/

Embassy of the Philippines, Tel-Aviv

PHinGermany

H.E. Ambassador-designate Macairog S. Alberto

Embassy of the Philippines, Copenhagen

WWW.PHILIPPINE-EMBASSY.DE

No. 18 Bnei Dan Street, Tel-Aviv, 62260 Israel

H.E. Ambassador Leo M. Herrera-Lim

Consulate General of the Philippines, Frankfurt

Tel (+9723) 601-0500 (+9723) 601-0500

Arne Jacobsens Alle 13, 1st Floor, 2300

Westend Carree

Emergency (+972-54) 466-1188

Copenhagen, Denmark

Grüneburgweg 16-18, 1st Floor

(+972-54) 466-1188

42

Community Service

Roots&Wings

Email: telaviv.pe@dfa.gov.ph;

Facebook: @PHLinPoland

H.E. Consul Raul Dado

filembis@netvision.net.il

WWW.WARSAWPE.DFA.GOV.PH

Charge d’ affaires, ad interim

WWW.PHILEMBTELAVIV.CO.IL

Mobile +46 702 735 407,

PORTUGAL ITALY

Embassy of the Philippines, Lisbon

+63 9054039435 (Viber) EMAIL: STOCKHOLM.PE@DFA.GOV.PH

Embassy of the Philippines, Rome

H.E. Ambassador Celia Anna M. Feria

H.E. Ambassador Domingo P. Nolasco

Rua Barata Salgueiro 30–3 andar

Viale delle Medaglie d’Oro 112-114

1250-044 Lisbon, Portugal

Embassy of the Philippines, Berne

00136 Rome, Italy

Tel (+351) 216-083-274; 216-083-276;

Chargé d’Affaires Josephine M. Reynante

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

216-083-277

Kirchenfeldstrasse 73-75

Emergency (+39) 328-690-7613

Emergency (+351) 925-410-257

3005 Berne, Switzerland

(+39) 328-690-7613

E-mail: lisbon.pe@dfa.gov.ph

Tel (+41-31) 350-1700

Email: rome.pe@dfa.gov.ph

lisbon.pe@gmail.com

Emergency (+41-79) 542-1992

romepe2007@gmail.com

WWW.LISBONPE.DFA.GOV.PH

Email: berne.pe@dfa.gov.ph /

WWW.PHILEMBASSY-ROME.NET

info@philembassyberne.ch

RUSSIAN FEDERATION THE NETHERLANDS

SWITZERLAND

Embassy of the Philippines, Moscow

Facebook: @PHinSwitzerland WWW.BERNEPE.DFA.GOV.PH

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES,

H.E. Ambassador Carlos D. Sorreta

THE HAGUE

Karmanitsky Pereulok 8

Permanent Representative

H.E. Ambassador Jose Eduardo Malaya

Building 1, 121099

H.E. Ambassador Evan P. Garcia

(incoming)

Moscow, Russian Federation

47 Avenue Blac, 1202 Geneva

Tel (+31) 70360-4820

Tel (+7-499) 241-0563; 241-0564; 241-0565)

Switzerland

Emergency (+31)(0) 65261-1079

Email: moscow.pe@dfa.gov.ph

Tel (+41-22) 716-1930

Email: thehague.pe@dfa.gov.ph / thehague@

moscowpe@mailfrom.ru

Emergency (+41-79) 1369-114

philembassy.nl

Facebook: Philembassy Moscow

Email: geneva.pm@dfa.gov.ph / genevapm49@

Facebook: @PHinTheNetherlands

WWW.MOSCOWPE.DFA.GOV.PH

gmail.com genevapm.dfa.gov.ph

WWW.THEHAGUEPE.DFA.GOV.PH

SPAIN NORWAY

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/GENEVAPCG

Embassy of the Philippines, Madrid

UNITED KINGDOM

Embassy of the Philippines, Oslo

H.E Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier

H.E. Ambassador Enrico T. Fos

Calle Eresma 2, 28002 Madrid, Spain (Chancery)

Embassy of the Philippines, London

Nedre Vollgate 4, 0158 Oslo, Norway

Calle Guadalquivir 6, 28002 Madrid, Spain

H.E. Ambassador Antonio Manuel R. Lagdameo

P.O. Box 1758 VIKA N-0122 Oslo, Norway

(Consular Section)

6-8 Suffolk Street, London SW1Y 4HG

(+47) 224-00900 (+47) 224-00900

Tel (+34) 917-823-830 / 917-823-836; 917-451-

United Kingdom of Great Britain

Emergency (+47) 902 41 171

734 (Consular Section)

Tel (+44) 20-7451-1780

Email: helpdesk@philembassy.no

Emergency (+34) 616-491-861

Emergency (+44) 78-0279-0695

WWW.PHILEMBASSY.NO

Email: madrid.pe@dfa.gov.ph /

Email: london.pe@dfa.gov.ph /

madridpe@yahoo.com

embassy@philemb.co.uk

Consular: info@philembassymadrid.

Facebook: @PHLinUK

Philippine Consulate, Reykjavik, Iceland

com / consular@philembassymadrid.com

WWW.LONDONPE.DFA.GOV.PH

H.E. Consul Maria Priscilla Zanoria a.h

Facebook: @PHinSpain

Skógarsel 39

www.philembassymadrid.com

109 Reykjavik, Iceland

WWW.MADRIPE.DFA.GOV.PH

ICELAND

Tel (+354) 897 5391

VATICAN, ITALY Embassy of the Philippines, Vatican Hon. (Mr.) Charlie P. Manangan

Consulate General Barcelona

Charge d’ Affaires

Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro

Via Paolo VI, 29, 00193 Rome, Italy

Rambla de Catalunya 33, Planta Principal 08007

Tel (+39-06) 6830-8020

Embassy of the Philippines, Warsaw

Barcelona, Spain

Email: vatican.pe@dfa.gov.ph /

H.E. Ambassador Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz

+34 938 28 83 12

vaticanpe2@gmail.com

Ul. Lentza 11, 02-956 Warsaw, Republic of Poland

BARCELONAPCG.CONSULAR@DFA.GOV.PH

https://dfa.gov.ph/about/dfa-directory/our-

EMAIL: PHILCONSUL@SIMNET.IS

POLAND

foreign-service-posts-dfa

Tel +48 22 490 2025 and +48 694 491 664 Emergency +48 604 357 396 Email: warsaw.pe@dfa.gov.ph

Roots&Wings

SWEDEN

WWW.VATICANPE.DFA.GOV.PH

Embassy of the Philippines, Stockholm

Community Service

43

AUSTRIA

Common Diversities Junge Filipin@s im deutschsprachigen Raum

“Books are the testimonies of our time. As writers, we portray the realities in the stories and give them life through our words. They are the evidence that will never be lost because they are stored in our memories.” - Ralph Chan, June 2022

O

n the tenth anniversary of the association Sentro ng Kultura at Wika ng Austria at Pilipinas (Zentrum für österreichische und philippinische Kultur und Sprache) [1], we released our very first book. In Common Diversities.

Junge Filipin@s im Book cover of Common Diversities deutschsprachigen Raum [translated: Common Diversities. Young Filipinos in German-speaking countries] [2] Arlene Castañeda and I worked on the book together with various authors to give the second and third generation Filipinos living in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland a face and a voice. For the first time, their stories were put in the spotlight and on paper.

The central question of the book is: What shapes me as a child of Filipino migrants? How does this determine my identity? (See also my previous articles “Ready for the next generation of Austro-Filipinos?” [3], “Identity building through culture and art” [4]). Common Diversities is a collage

44

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of the authors’ personal perspectives and stories, supported by their own research.

How everything began One afternoon, Sentro members met and discussed current and future projects. And that’s where the idea was born in 2019, before the pandemic.

Publishing something out of a fuzzy thought quickly became a concept and it developed into a real and big project. E-mails were sent and phone calls made to find authors from contacts and networks. To ensure the quality of the book, we have also contacted renowned experts as scientific advisors.

The nice thing about the whole process was that everyone accepted the invitation without even knowing Sentro personally and where the journey is going. Everyone has contributed free of charge – both the authors and the scientific advisors. Because despite all the unknown, every author and every scientific advisor was convinced from the beginning of the intention to write a book for the first time, which is mainly directed about and by the Filipino-Austrian/German/Swiss youth.

The publication is two and a half years of hard work that took a lot of time and energy. Not everything went smoothly. Many authors dropped out during the Roots&Wings

Handing over a book copy to Viennese Mayor Dr. Michael Ludwig

process for various reasons. At the same time, we got to know new authors on this journey and were able to persuade them to take part. Despite all the obstacles, we look back on an eventful phase with a product that we editors, authors and hopefully the Filipino community in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Europe, the Philippines and internationally can be proud of.

What to expect Common Diversities is a collection of essays and contributions by scholars, writers, experts, and advocates. This 258-page book offers a glimpse into the lives of those trying to bridge the values and ideals of their cultures and answer the lifelong questions of identity and belonging. It consists of 19 chapters, grouped into the main sections Migration, Identity and Culture. The introductory words to these were written by our scientific advisors. The unique characteristic about this book is that some chapters are written in English and some in German. Let me now give you a brief overview of the chapters: 1.

2.

In “A Mother’s Love: Migrationsgeschichten philippinischer Frauen”, Marina Wetzlmaier reports on how women from the Philippines embarked on journeys into the unexpected in the times before the Internet and smartphones.

“Leaving and left behind: Stories of women mi-

Roots&Wings

grant workers from Mindanao” by Inorisa Sialana-Elento, Clara Handler, and Clemens Huber deals with the reasons for emigrating abroad.

3. In “Dutertismo, populist authoritarianism, and transnational solidarity: Dispatches from the Filipino diaspora”, Joshua Makalintal and Christopher Chanco revisit the rise of Rodrigo Duterte and his appeal to Filipino communities abroad, reflecting on a reactionary diaspora politics that is a part of a broader transnational trend of reckoning with enduring questions of identity, recognition, inequality, and democracy.

4. In “Die Bedeutung von Remittances: Chance oder Fluch?”, Philip Weninger draws on his personal experiences in describing the process of migrant remittances, giving an overview of its positive and negative effects, while focusing on the example of the Filipino community in Austria.

5. Vigile Fabella, Andreas Schmitz, Jessica Rehrmann, and Mary Montemayor engage with issues of cultural identity in “Ugat – Suche und Auseinandersetzung mit den eigenen (deutsch-)philippinischen Wurzeln”.

6. Thomas Bauer’s “Identität: Das Selbstbefinden und das Leben der Anderen” contributes a critical reflection on the concept of identity and tries to show a concept of identity in which sociability,

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45

Book presentation in Linz

flexibility, fluidity, diversity, and variability represent inner values of self-description.

7. In her chapter “Identitäten im Fluss: Narrative der zweiten Generation philippinischer Migrant:innen im deutschsprachigen Raum”, Analie Gepulani Neiteler writes about the stories of people with Filipino parents who emigrated but who have been made invisible and discusses issues of belonging and one’s positionality by also drawing on personal narratives.

8. In “Mama, lass uns Tagalog sprechen! Die Sprachen der Eltern und die Identitäten der Kinder”, Christian Namiss and Arlene D. Castañeda attempt to answer: What does speaking the language mean to second-generation Filipinos in the German-speaking world?

How important is it to them and, especially, why?

9. Jessica Diez explores individual stories of second-generation Filipinos, revealing their motivations and aspirations to pursue further education in her chapter “‘Mag-aral kang mabuti!’

[Study hard!]: Education among second-generation Filipinos in Austria”.

10. The chapter “Erfahrungen von Filipin@s mit Rassismus, Diskriminierung und Anti-AsianHate” by Christiane Gotz gives a glimpse into anti-Asian racism in Europe, especially since 46

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11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

the beginning of the corona pandemic, and its impact on Filipinos.

In my chapter “In conversation with Austrian-Filipino academics and experts”, I attempt to answer why Filipino academics and experts are not that very prominent in Austria.

Mike Saycon’s chapter “Global connectedness: The shared experience of Filipino and Austrian-Filipino youth” underscores the many benefits of digital communication and platforms as well as their potential risks.

In “Kain Po: Filipino food heritage in the Austrian market” by Angelica Maria D. Tomintz and Harald Eustachius A. Tomintz, they postulate that Filipino food is an expression of the diaspora and try to understand the standards by which Filipinos judge a cultural expression as being authentic.

Marina Wetzlmaier’s contribution “Popkultur und Identität bei jungen Austro-Filipin@s” sheds light on developments in popular culture in the Philippines and addresses the question of their significance in the formation of the identity of young Filipinos living in Austria.

In the chapter “Welche philippinischen Aberglauben und Rituale haben es bis nach Österreich geschafft und bleiben bestehen?”, Bianca Weninger discusses which forms of superstition Roots&Wings

Book presentation with the Halo-Halos

can be observed in the Philippines and to what extent these beliefs remain a part of everyday life, even after a Filipino has migrated to Austria.

Reflection and thanks Since our release in January this year, we have been trying to draw attention to our book. The first Filipinos came to Austria over 50 years ago and it is only now that their and their children’s stories are being presented to the public. Part of the dissemination are regular book presentations and readings. The kick-off took place over the Easter weekend when the Halo-Halos (see “An Ode to Odette” [5]) visited Vienna. In May we were invited to Linz to present the book to the local community. On June 15, the largest book presentation took place in the halls of the University of Vienna. There will also be a book launch at the Philippine Embassy in Vienna in July and at the KUBO Festival in September. We are pleased that the book has been well received by the public and that many interested people have found us. We were also able to hand over a personal copy to Mayor of Vienna, Dr. Michael Ludwig.

On behalf of the editors of Common Diversities, I would like to sincerely thank all authors, scientific advisors and our publisher Regiospectra. Our thanks also go to all those who have supported us from the beginning of this project. And finally, the readers - be Roots&Wings

it the first, second third generation or all those who are interested in the Filipino community and the Filipinos - thank you very much. We hope that you will rediscover yourselves in the chapters, be inspired and be part of the second volume. We hope to see you at one of our readings and book presentations in Vienna or somewhere else.

Related Topics [1] https://www.zentrum-oep.at/ [2] https://www.regiospectra.de/en/books/asia/southeast-asia/philippines/common-diversities-en-detail [3] https://www.rawmags.com/single-post/2020/08/26/Ready-for-the-next-generation-of-Austro-Filipinos [4] https://www.rawmags.com/single-post/identity-formation-through-culture-and-arts [5] https://www.rawmags.com/single-post/an-ode-toodette

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47

ITALY

Wealth is in Food Text by Maris Gavino, OFSPES

T

he cliché’ Health is Wealth has to be taken seriously.

And the SIKHAY (Sigla, Kabuhayan, at Buhay), Group does just that. The Group is composed of eight individuals who are professionals in different fields. They have the common objective of advocating awareness of the value of local vegetables, herbs and fruits with the end in view of sustainable food security, better nutrition, and health and wellness of Filipinos. SIKHAY is a subsidiary group of OFSPES Consortium (Overseas Filipinos’ Society for the Promotion of Economic Security) active in capacity building and empowerment of OFWs. Leafy Delights is this year’s project of SIKHAY. It is a book 48

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that features 16 leafy vegetables, 23 herbs and 138 recipes. Some of the vegetables and herbs are alugbati, ampalaya leaves, mustasa, pechay, gabi leaves, kulitis, letsugas, malunggay, talinum, gotu kola, gaynura, parsley, raw ram, saw tooth and rosemary. Leafy Delights is a simple and an easy to follow recipe book that can add aroma and a twist in your daily recipes.

Leafy Delights was an offshoot of SIKHAY’s 2020 calendar entitled “Sarap! Delight in Healthy Philippine Greens”. The title suggests just that. It was very well received by the public as all its yearly calendars since 2014.

Aside from calendars, SIKHAY organizes activities and on-site cooking demonstrations using easily grown and not too com-

mon herbs and nutritious veggies with urban and rural mothers.

One of these successful activities is the distribution of seedlings and plants to mothers to upstart the production of vegetables and herbs in their communities. These were conducted country wide, such as in Montalban, Rizal (now Rodriguez); Tayabas, Quezon, Cagayan de Oro City; Indang, Cavite and U.P. Diliman Food Service.

According to Romanita Kanapi of SIKHAY, a lot of challenges came along the way from choices of herbs, fruits or veggies; recipes to test and finalize, photo and layout deadlines. However, resilience paid off and the positive feedbacks gave satisfaction and the motivation to do more.

Sarap ng gulay! (Veggies are delicious). Lets be inspired by the healthy recipes and feel wealthy.

Leafy Delights, are now available on e-book. Email: sikhayphil@ gmail.com or SIKHAY on Facebook.

Roots&Wings

NORWAY

Aibee RodriguezGaur, and rice on the table Text by Luz Bergersen Images by Aibee Rodriguez-Gaur, PhD

W

elcoming to Rawmags Movers a very unassuming lady, whose studies and work in her special fields of endeavour - Agriculture and Applied Economics, are highly relevant and in demand today.

Meet Divinia Gracia P. Rodriguez-Gaur, PhD in Agricultural and Applied Economics. Aibee holds a BS in Agriculture EconomRoots&Wings

ics (2001) cum laude, from the University of the Philippines at Los Banos. She has an MS in the same field at the Texas Tech University, USA and a PhD in Agriculture and Applied Economics (2014) from the University of Illinois USA. Why specialize in Agricultural Economics?

“My involvement and experience in IRRI, and prior research work have strengthened my interest in agriculture and its role in delivering food security, environmental

sustainabilty, and economic opportunities. This has made me further motivated to do research in these topics. It requires research that combines rigorous understanding of agriculture, economics, and policies. This has been the driving force behind my decision to pursue a PhD in Agricultural and Applied Economics at the Universirty of Illinois”.

Aibee’s research work and interests are in the fields of Environmental and production economics, impact evaluation (applied econometrics), family and consumer economics, and development economics. Her expertise, extensive research work, and knowledge in this important field would surely be much in demand in the home country, the Philippines - where agricultural sufficiency is a major national concern.

IRRI In the Philippines, Aibee had stints as Agricultural and Applied Economist at the Inter-

Rawmags Movers

49

Teaching gives me an opportunity to enhance my knowledge and skills in economics, and my interaction with students gives me more perspectives in my own research.

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Rawmags Movers

national Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and as Research Associate at the UP Los Banos Department of Agriculture. She also worked as Team Leader in similar scientific studies in Cambodia and Vietnam.

Aibee’s academic awards, honours, acknowledgements, scholarships, include a Fulbright-Philippine Agricultural Scholarship Program Grant in 2004, Future Leaders Forum Student Scholarship Program, Association for International Agriculture and Rural Development in 2012 and Outstanding Masters Thesis Award, US Southern Agricultural Economics Association in 2017.

Love for teaching Aside from her research work, teaching economics has been an important part of Aibee’s graduate career.

“Teaching gives me an opportunity to enhance my knowledge and skills in economics, and my interaction with students give me more perspectives in my own research. I have almost four years of teaching experience as instructor at Texas Tech University, and as Teaching Assistant at the University of Illinois. I have taught undergraduate courses in introductory microeconomics, statistical methods, financial decision-making, and the world food economics and was ‘commended’ at the University of Illinois for teaching introductory microeconomics.”

Aside from her work in the Philippines and Norway, Aibee has research experience in Cambodia, Vietnam, Denmark, France, Greece, Romania, Ghana, Malawi, Senegal, India and the USA. RICE is LIFE, a basic staple food. At a time when rice, staple food in the Philippines and Asia, is a major social and economic issue, I ask Aibee Rodriguez, Filipina agricultural economist, now working in Norway about her views and

opinions.

Is it possible to lower the price of rice, to make it affordable to all consumers?

“It is not yet possible. Economists believe that the cost of production and price of rice affect farmer’s production decisions. Fertilizer prices have been rising globally.

Reducing the price of rice would discourage our farmers to produce rice and threaten rice supplies. In fact, there are studies that show the declining rice production was partly due to lower rice prices.”

Is it economically feasible for farmers?

“While lower rice prices make rice more affordable for Filipino consumers, our rice farmers, especially the small rice producers, will suffer. The farmers’ goal is to maximise their profits. With higher fertilizer cost and lower price of rice, they will not get more money from their harvest. They will have very little profit or none at all. One way to lower rice prices possible is to reduce the cost of fertilizers.

Many nations including the Philippines provide fertilizer subsidies to farmers to ensure the fertilizer availability and consumption. The increase in fertilizer costs also calls for effective fertilizer management.”

In Norway. Aibee currently works as researcher at the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO). Aibee’s work as an instructor, researcher, author of articles and reviews printed in journal publications, are important and valuable contributions and references into this field and scientific work..

Her long list of work continues.

Her current projects include Optimal strategies to retain and reuse water and nutrients in small Roots&Wings

agricultural catchments across different soil-climatic regions in Europe (https://www.optain.eu); Stepping-up IPM decision support for crop protection (https:// ipmdecisions.net/): Economic valuation of non-market goods and services; Empowering Small-scale Farmers towards Sustainable Development Goals through Participative, Innovative and Sustainable Livestock and Poultry Value Chains in Ghana, Kenya, and Senegal (https://sp3ar.eu/); Building Climate Resilience of Indian Smallholders through Sustainable Intensification and Agroecological Farming Systems to Strengthen Food and Nutrition Security (http://www.resilienceindia.org); Sino-European innovative green and smart cities in EU and China (https://www.siegreen.eu/); and Technological Innovation to support environmentally-friendly food production and food safety under a changing climate – opportunities and challenges for Norway-China cooperation (https://www.nibio.no/ Roots&Wings

live in Ås, a district outside Oslo, and on weekends both enjoy walking in the forest and learning the Norwegian language.

en/projects/sinograin-ii).

On the private front, Aibee is married to Dr. Namit Gaur, high achiever in his own right, with a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Washington University at St Louis. They met in the USA while doing their graduate studies. They

Do you have a message to aspiring Filipinos in Norway, the Euro-Pinoy youth, and in particular anyone who aspires to follow a similar path?

“If anyone wants to pursue graduate studies, I would encourage them to explore different scholarship and funding opportunities out there. For example in the Philippines, check out the Philippine-American Educational Foundation, also known as the Fullbright Commission in the Philippines (https://fullbright.org.ph).

Here in Norway, there are a lot of opportunities for those who want to pursue PhDs. They will also be employed full-time.”

You may reach Dr. Aibee Rodriguez-Gaur here https://nibio.no/en/employees/divina-gracia-p.rodriguez

Rawmags Movers

51

PHILIPPINES

Rawmags Social Entrepreneurship Project

Laura Vicuña Training Center Palawan

Text by Sr. Cathy Urgello, FMA

T

he Laura Vicuña Training Center Palawan is located in Barangay Macarascas, Puerto Princesa in Palawan, half way to the world famous Underground River in Sabang.

To date, the Salesian Sisters are managing and operating the center where it accommodates 75 high school students coming

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from far flung communities in Palawan, some of them are from indigenous communities from the poorest areas.

The Laura Vicuña Center boarding school / learning facility ensures protection, safety and continuous education of its students.

In order to sustain the daily operation, the community maintains a farm where everyone plants vegetables and rice and takes care of hogs, chickens and ducks. At the center, the learners are encour-

aged to learn gardening and farming which enable them to appreciate the love for nature, value sustainable living and acquire skills which will be used later as source of their income.

Its vision is to give HOPE a HOME. It’s mission is to empower children, families and communities to be self managing. The foundation’s goal is for the integral formation through education, development and protection of children and youth.

Roots&Wings

Inspiring Story

Ever since I entered the Laura Vicuña (LV) Center Palawan in 2018 at Level 8 and living independently from my parents, Edwin and Jennifer Abia and my five siblings, I have had a lot of self discovery experiences through the help of the LV Center’s sisters and the staff . I got to know myself better, discovering my potentials and talents in order to achieve my dreams and be able to help my family. God willing, I will be graduating this school year, 2021-2022 in my Junior High School.

Farming is one of the enriching activities I enjoy doing here at the LV Center. It is one of the sources of our food for our daily needs and also sustains our community. Our way of farming here is different such as the double digging of the plot and putting in seven kinds of organic fertilizer.

The most important thing of my formation that I can take with me when I go out of the center is that I have learned here in the LV Center is prayer, nourishing my spiritual life and faith thru the Holy Mass and ending the day,

Ellen May G. Abia 16 years old

praying the Holy Rosary.

I will cherish all of my experiences here at the LV Center because they serve as my inspiration to continue the battle of life and achieve my dreams, as the hashtag says, #goforyourdreams, despite all of the challenges, struggles, and difficulties.

Thank You Note from Sr. Cathy Urgello, FMA of the Laura Vicuña Center Palawan to Sponsor Rachel Hansen of Sweden Our whole community wishes to thank you for your generous donation. We wish we can meet or much better you can visit us here in our small paradise, Palawan. We wish also to thank the untiring efforts of Betsy, Becky, Marizel and the Team of Roots & Wings for connecting us with generous people like you.

Assuring you of our daily prayers.

God bless you always.

Support the dreams of a deserving student of Laura Vicuña Training Center today!

Connect with our Social Entrepreneurship Team - Becky Torres and Marizel Arambulo at: rawmags.sponsor@gmail.

com

Roots&Wings

Social Entrepreneurship

53

BAIPHIL’s HANDOG PAG-ASA Tulong sa Katutubo ng Mt. Purro Nature Reserve

Text & images by Agnes Santos & Sally Magat

P

ursuant to its advocacy in Education, the Bankers Institute of the Philippines, Inc. (BAIPHIL) SPC Handog Pag-asa channeled funds to the community of at least 100 households living in Mt. Purro, Calawis, in Antipolo.

Participating in an outreach project dubbed “Tulong sa Katutubo”, BAIPHIL donated 15 high powered modems to facilitate the students’ online studies and at the same time aid the parents in marketing their livelihood products online, a two-pronged approach to serve the needs of the poor and uplift the life of the indigenous Dumagat tribe.

At the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountain ranges in Calawis, Antipolo is the Mount Purrro Nature Reserve. The area comprises of 16 hectares cleared and developed by Ka Toto Malvar, a direct descendant of Gen. Miguel Malvar. It is an eco park and a nature reserve.

Ka Toto’s desire to develop such a nature reserve was driven by his mother’s constant teaching to him that one must plant trees to sustain the environment.

Thus, starting in 1988, Ka Toto began clearing the area which is a part of the 26,000 hectares Marikina Watershed.

The reserve is distinct for its advocacy of a lifestyle of Stewardship. Simplic-

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ity and Sharing. Moreover, it highlights GOD, Nature, and People as the true members of personal and community development. The reserve has the ambitious goal of rehabilitating the Upper Marikina Watershed. It also wants to empower the community living within the area.

Today, the reserve is a model community and has become a social enterprise providing alternative and non-destructive form of livelihood to those otherwise engaged in environmentally damaging practice. Ka Toto adopted a grassroots strategy for reforestation and watershed rehabilitation. The upland communities vocational and livelihood needs were prioritized before they were ultimately engaged as partners in bringing back the glory of the forest.

The children are provided scholarships for their education. Their parents are engaged in livelihood mainly in the production of plant-based goods.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, the community had difficulties in adapting to the online learning system because of lack of devices and logistics. At the same time, they needed food for survival. The Rotary Club of Mutya ng Pasig, a longtime benefactor responded by donating food and school supplies, while BAIPHIL Handog Pag-asa provided assistance in the procurement of high powered wi-fi facilities so that the children can continue with their education.

BAIPHIL is a corporate sponsor for Rawmags Social Entrepreneurship Program.

Roots&Wings

2022 JUN 17

REBECCA URBANČÍK GARCIA

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The Roots & Wings Team is pleased to announce the promotion of Ms. Rebecca Urbančík Garcia to Associate Editor. Rebecca’s unfaltering dedication, skills and initiatives as Bureau Editor for the Czech Republic, Germany and head of

An experienced Communications Manager with a demonstrated

social media have pushed our e-publication to new, exciting

based in Prague, Czech Republic and her longest city of residence

turns within the Filipino-European social networks.

the Netherlands, France, and Norway. Her hobbies include travel,

history of working in the marketing and advertising industry, Rebecca is also skilled in Event Management, Business Development, Content Creation and Social Media activations. In her current role at ADP, she is responsible for Employer Services International (ESI) internal and Service Delivery Communications. Rebecca completed her Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree with a specialization in Marketing from the University of New York in Prague. She’s currently

to date. She previously resided in the US, the Philippines, Malaysia,

photography, and writing. She loves coffee and makes it a point to visit specialty coffee spots wherever she travels. Join us in congratulating Rebecca in her new role as Rawmags Associate Editor.