Roots and Wings June 2023

MYLA ARCENO

From the Guest Editor

The dazzling and glorious European summer months must be inspirations for this brilliant and impressive June-July issue of RawMags. KUDOS to the RawMags Team! Reading through the articles, one cannot help but be pleased and proud, at the same time humbled, by the dedication, talents, commitments, generosity of time and skills, the sense of community, the readiness to contribute, and make another very special issue of Roots and Wings magazine! Saludo!!

KALAYAAN, KINABUKASAN, KASAYSAYAN (Independence, The Future, and History). With this theme, this year’s 125th Philippine Independence Day, was celebrated with much love and fervour in every country in Europe. A day of pride and honour for the Filipino communities who put up grand celebrations in cooperation with the Philippine Embasssies and officials of host countries. EuroPinoys maintain close links and love for motherland and this very special occasion was marked with great joy and celebrations.

REBECCA URBANCIK GARCIA, Prague-based RawMags Associate Editor, has written a beautiful article about the Independence day celebrations in Prague, with beautiful accompanying photos.

The 75th year of Philippine-Norway bilateral relations (1948-2023) was marked together with Independence Day celebrations in Norway: A Fiesta Filipina, Gala Night with a BbKalayaan Pageant, and Family Fun day! The extravanganza of events – showcased Filipino talents, culture, dance, music, and food!!

MYLA ARCENO, RawMags UK Editor, became the first Filipina Mayor under the Labour Party in Stevenage, UK! Who would not beam with pride and joy? A physiotherapist by profession, Myla Arceno, a much loved and respected public figure, has long been a haligi ng bayan in Stevenage. With her broad smiles and confidence, Myla makes everyone feel special and comfortable, and the feeling that

“everyting will be alright”. She gathers people and makes everyone at once happy and pleased in her presence. Congratulations and more power, Lord Mayor Myla Arceno!

AIMEE ALADO-BLAKE and GAVIN, “LOV3 NEVER FAILS”. UK-based international lawyer and RawMags Legal Counsel Atty. Aimee, and debonaire groom GAVIN renewed wedding vows in the most beautiful island in the world, BORACAY! A dream wedding in the most beautiful wedding destination. Read all about this and immerse yourselves in the beauty of the bride and groom, and dream of your own wedding on the island!

’BABAENG NAKAPERLAS’ artwork by engineer and artist GLENSIE HOMBREBUENO, is on exhibit at world famous Mauritshuis Museum in The Hauge! Looking forward to hear more from Glensie! Atty CHAD OSORIO, who wrote the feature about Glensie, is himself an inspiring and noteworthy RawMags feature. Chad, UP lawyer-economist currently based in the Netherlands. is a PhD candidate for Environmental Economics and Natural Resources and LAW at Wageningen University. Will wonders never cease? Chad is also a photographer, poet author, artist.

The burgeoning art, music, cultural life, wherein EURO-PINOYS contribute with their God-given talents, enrich and enliven the European cultural scene.

FILIPINO FOOD, have likewise enriched and tickled palates and tables across Erurope. In Belgium, a food haven, Filipino Food is making waves! The RAMBAK Festival in Austria, showcased the vitality, diversity, beauty and of Filipino food and culture. And, many of us can identify with narratives about ’coming home for the first time’. This is another very beautiful issue of Roots&Wings! Our hearts are full, and our wish with this summer issue is that your hearts too, be filled with love and eternal grace. LOV3 NEVER FAILS.

Luz Bergersen Oslo/Norway

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Gloria Hernandez Grejalde CULTURAL EDITOR PHILIPPINES

Alfonso Joaquin De Jesus De Vera SOCMED AUSTRIA

Cipriano “Zip” De Guzmán Jr. BUREAU EDITOR LUXEMBOURG

Jennifer Fergesen BUREAU EDITOR ICELAND

Anton Miguel D. De Vera SOCMED HEAD AUSTRIA

Donna Patricia Manio LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Jeffrey Cabuay BUREAU EDITOR FRANCE

Mye Mulingtapang BUREAU EDITOR ITALY

Mary Hyacinth Reguindin-Tondo BUREAU CO-EDITOR, UNITED KINGDOM

Donna Avellana Künzler BUREAU EDITOR SWITZERLAND

Ieth Inolino Idzerda BUREAU EDITOR, THE NETHERLANDS

Ralph Anthony Chan BUREAU EDITOR AUSTRIA

Rebecca Urbancik Garcia ASSOCIATE EDITOR GERMANY/CZ

Myla Arceno BUREAU EDITOR, UNITED KINGDOM

Apiong Bagares DESIGN, PHILIPPINES

Betsy Jance von Atzigen EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Luz Bergersen BUREAU EDITOR NORWAY

Siobhan Doyle BUREAU CO-EDITOR, UNITED KINGDOM

Marizel Arambulo SOC ENTREPRENEUR LEAD

Aimee Alado -Blake LEGAL COUNSEL

Lyndy Bagares WEB EDITOR NORWAY

Becky Torres SOC ENTREPRENEUR LEAD

Daniel Ceeline Ramonal BUREAU EDITOR SERBIA

Rachel Hansen FOUNDER/PUBLISHER

Contents

COVER STORY

UK town welcomes first Filipina Mayor under Labour Party p5

ART

Art for A Cause p7

The Faces of Everyday Lifewith Hope Baylon p8

Sketches and Snippets p10

Half Circles: Emmelot Grace Photography p12

SPECIAL FEATURE

Celebrating the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence p14

Kalayaan Gala Night 2023 p16

CULTURE

Pinoy Food Makes Waves in Belgium p18

Celebrating RAMBAK Austria Festival 2023 p20

DIRECTORY

Philippine Embassies in Europe p22

JOBS

RawmagsJOBwing p24

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Young, engaging, extraordinary Ambassador to Switzerland Bernard Faustino M. Dy p25

LITERARY

What does it mean to “come home” for the first time? p27

PEOPLE

Where does HAPPILY EVER AFTER begin? p31

Ang Kabataan sa UAE - Young Filipino Voices p34

TRAVEL

Coron-Sweet Reprieve p38

Siargao Islands p42

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Books are Vital in Improving Reading Skills of Young Filipino Students p44

Dine for a Cause p45

Beneficiaries p46

UK town welcomes first Filipina Mayor under Labour Party

Words by Siobhan Doyle

The team here at Roots and Wings Magazine would like to congratulate our very own UK Bureau Editor, Myla Arceno, for becoming the new Mayor of Stevenage, Hertfordshire in the UK!

Her journey to becoming mayor started in 2021 when she was elected as a councillor for the Martins Wood Ward and served on various committees such as auditing and planning & development.

Myla was inaugurated as Stevenage Mayor on the 24th of May, and since then has had a busy few days in her post including an annual jobs fair and a park run.

Myla says she is looking forward to a fantastic year as mayor and cannot wait to build strong links with charitable, civic, community, cultural, faiths and denominations, military, schools, social and voluntary groups and to ac knowledge, celebrate and sup port diversity in the town.

‘It is an honour to be elected as Mayor of Stevenage,’ she says. ‘I am given this gift of servitude and I will give it back full of gratitude.’

The now Mayor of Stevenage grew up in Pulupandan, Negros Occidental, a town where everyone knows everyone! Here, she had a happy childhood and was blessed with a good education. She moved to Stevenage from the Philippines in October 2003 with her 5-yearold son, John Benedict, to join her husband, Jo-

seph, who was recruited by the East and North Herts NHS Trust from the Philippines.

Over the past 20 years, Myla has worked in various areas of Physiotherapy in Lister and QE2 hospitals and now focuses on her area of expertise as a Cardiac rehab specialist physiotherapist. She will continue to work in Cardiac Rehab Clinic and exercise classes during her Mayoral year.

An active member of the Filipino community, Myla is a co-founder of the Stevenage Filipino-British Community and Barrio Fiesta in Hertfordshire and is also a member of the European Network of Filipino Diaspora and was on the Board of Trustees for two years.

In November 2022, Myla received an award as one of the most Influential Filipina Women around the world in Lisbon, Portugal. She is also proud of her Clinical Educator award from the University of Hertfordshire.

‘I hope to inspire not only the Filipino community or people in Stevenage, but many whom I crossed paths with,’ Myla adds. ‘Service to your community opens up an array of opportunities.’

Myla also emphasises the importance of diversity within local councils. ‘Diversity creates beauty,’ she says. ‘The variety of communities, different backgrounds and beliefs in council open more ideas. It will help in gaining more understanding into how to manage the constituents.’

Throughout her first year as Mayor, Myla will support four charities: the Douglas Drive

Senior Citizens Association, a day centre for senior citizens from Stevenage and surrounding villages; dementia care service Hertswise; local horticultural therapy project The Red Shed; and the Stevenage World Forum for Ethnic Communities.

‘I want to make Stevenage a dementia-friendly town,’ she said during her inaugural address. ‘Dementia has been affecting many people here in Stevenage and worldwide. A simple awareness and understanding [of dementia] will make a big difference.’

‘My vision is to not only raise awareness and raise funds for my chosen charities,’ she added. ‘I would like it to be a set of cohesive initiatives and projects for as many organisations as we can get involved.’ This is to make the town more accessible for its residents with dementia, their carers and families.

Myla has been known within the Filipino community well before she entered politics and is an inspiration to many people within it. She has given back to the community in many ways through her humility and tenacity.

‘My mum is a woman guided strongly by her values and beliefs,’ says her son John who is also her Mayoral consort. ‘She strives to do better and inspire others, and seeing all the success that she’s had really makes me proud.’

Growing up with Tita Myla, Abygail Fraydon - a resident in Stevenage and a family friend of the Arceno family - has always seen her as an inspiration.

‘She, along with other Filipino nurses, came and started a life in a completely different country - a country where everything from the culture, food and language was different to home,’ she says.

‘Now looking at how far she’s come and the impact she is making to both the local and international community is incredible,’ Aby adds. She also admires Myla’s positive attitude and positive outlook on life.

Liza Delfin, a friend of Myla who also works in Lister Hospital in Stevenage, describes Myla as a Filipina leader.

‘Mayor Myla is passionate about diversity and inclusivity. This shows in promoting Filipino Culture by being an active participant on cultural activities within Hertfordshire and surrounding areas,’ Liza explains. ‘She inspires young generations to embrace their customs and traditions.’

‘As a core committee of the Filipino Community Organisation in Stevenage, I am honoured and privileged to work with her to enhance camaraderie and bayanihan amongst our kababayan.’

Outside of her professional and Mayoral life, Myla likes to keep fit through Zumba and dancing and has a deep love for travelling and exploring other countries.

Each country she has visited throughout her travels has been a ‘great learning experience’, but Stevenage will always be a home for her and her family.

It’s no wonder she is now Stevenage Mayor. Her dedication and passion toward her work, personal and political life - all while being such a kind-hearted and gracious person - is undoubtedly something to admire and look up to.

Myla reflects on her time giving back to the community and continuing this process throughout her time as Mayor. ‘What you get in life is what and how you give. Embrace life with love, understanding and kindness,’ she tells Roots and Wings.

‘With my role as Mayor this year, may my actions, my words and my decisions be a reflection of my faith and values,’ she concluded in her inaugural speech.

Congratulations, Myla. You have made us all really proud and looking forward to seeing your light shine in your role as Mayor!

With my role as Mayor this year, may my actions, my words and my decisions be a reflection of my faith and values.

ART FOR A CAUSE

Maia Magpantay

Proceeds of Art for a Cause will benefit Roots & Wings Social Entrepreneurship Projects.

HARVEST

Palette painting in acrylic 12” x 9”

Artist Price €320*

Excluding framing & shipping

MOTHER AND CHILD

Palette painting in acrylic 12’ x 9’

Artist Price

€320

Excluding framing & shipping

Hope Baylon, Norway-based visual artist born (1990) and raised in Iloilo, Philippines recently held her first solo exhibition in the Philippines entitled ‘NAWONG’. It was held at the ’Super Duper Gallery’ in Quezon City, between May 14 to June 7, 2023.

After ten years of living in countries like Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway, this

NAWONG(face)

The Faces of Everyday Life with Hope Baylon

show was a homecoming for Hope Baylon. It was a labor of love and a gesture of gratitude for the people who supported her in this journey. Like her name Hope, this exhibit could be an eye-opener for dreamers everywhere. What does it mean to make one’s dreams come true? How do we get there? For Oslo-based Filipina artist Hope Baylon, NAWONG is an invi-

tation to discover her artistic journey, where she brings her dreams, memories, struggles, and experiences to life through her work. For this exhibition, Hope showcases portraits of people from various backgrounds. Hope’s work is spurred by fragments of her memories, reflective images, and colors that deeply resonate with her. She utilizes repetitive line work as her pri-

Text and photos by Hope Baylon

Hope is currently open to doing commissioned work. For more information, visit @hopebaylonart on Instagram, hopebaylon.com or email hopebaylon1234@ gmail.com

mary artistic style.

"Each line is a mark of one's wisdom and experience, and I aim to convey that through my work," shares Hope. As a result, her portraits are rich, textural, and full of depth— reflecting her struggles, triumphs, and passions from her lived experiences.

Hope's journey as an artist started in her hometown of Iloilo. When she was a child, her older sister inspired her to pursue art. Her sister was a talented artist in her own right, and Hope wanted to do the same thing. However, as she got older, her circumstances made pursuing an artistic career challenging. Despite her situation, Hope remained determined to pursue art and fulfill her dream.

After finishing college, she worked at a Japanese company's research and development arm. Following her first job, she decided to move abroad. Hope first moved to Denmark as an au pair. In a conversation with her host family, she shared that painting was a dream of hers.

Eventually, they supported her passion for art by enrolling her in an art workshop. There, she started to paint. Hope’s time in Denmark became the beginning for her to pursue her dream as an artist again. After living there, Hope moved to the Netherlands for a year.

Hope then moved to Norway, where she continued as an au pair. After a year and a half, she decided to enroll herself at ESMOD Oslo to study fashion design. During her time there, she realized she wanted to return to art and pursue it as a full-time career. She had to work multiple jobs to pay for her education at Det Tverrfaglige Kunstinstitutt (The Interdisciplinary Art Institute), which she attended for two years. Her mentors, Rus Mesic and Julio da Silva, were instrumental in developing her art style.

While there, Julio da Silva described her as a dedicated and hardworking student with a deep interest in painting. Hope continues to expand her artistic goals, while counting artists like Kenneth Blom to be a key men-

tor in her artistic career.

Hope Baylon graduated from Det Tverrfaglige Kunstinstitutt (The Interdisciplinary Art Institute) in Fornebu, Norway. She has shown her works in Oslo and Fornebu, Norway, and has participated in exhibitions hosted by the Philippine Embassy in Norway, Flytårnet Fornebu, and Neoma Galleria in the Philippines, where she participated in a virtual exhibit. Her work has also appeared in ’KAIN’, an emerging Filipino restaurant in Oslo.

“She was devoted to her work all the time, and has a deep interest in painting,” shares Julio da Silva, Hope’s mentor and teacher at DTK.

As a full-time artist based in Norway, Hope Baylon continues to experiment with various artistic styles and mediums to enrich her artistry.

(The above article is based on narratives by the artist herself, to Manila-based writer, Lea Angela Bolante. The original article appeared in agimat.net and www.adobomagazine. com in the Philippines).

SKETCHES SNIPPETS

A Conversation with watercolourist Glensie Hombrebueno

“Babaeng

Nakaperlas” is currently on feature at the internationally-renowned Mauritshuis Museum in the Hague, Netherlands. Inspired by Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” it provides a unique Filipino take on this world-famous classic.

Roots & Wings interviewed its artist, Filipina engineer Maria Glensie Hombrebueno, who is currently based in the Netherlands, to ask her about her creative process, her artistic influences, and her advice to aspiring artists.

You're an engineer. How do you combine your work in engineering with your art, or are they two separate parts of your life? Honestly, I don't. They belong to two different sides of me. While I very much enjoy the accuracy and the calculated world that is engineering, painting is my escape from all of it. Watercolour painting is fascinating and unpredictable, it's relaxing to let the paint flow wherever it wants to go without control—earning its reputation of being the most difficult medium to master.

Could you share your creative process with us? How do you approach a new painting,

from the initial concept to the final artwork?

They enter my thoughts at unexpected times, like a eureka moment. I don't follow a fixed process as well, so it's a little different every time. I sometimes sketch the idea on a separate piece of paper and do some colour swatches to finalize a palette, but there are times when I just wing it and start without proper planning.

Text by Chad Osorio, photos and illustrations courtesy of Glensie

Are there any specific artists or art movements that have influenced your style or approach to painting?

Thomas Schaller, Reina Yamada, and Inge Si De are my top three watercolour artists.

As your work gains recognition internationally, how has this impacted your artistic journey and your perspective on your own work?

My journey remains the same, and that's to continue painting what ever inspires me. I'm very grateful for having been recognized, but for an amateur artist like me who irregularly paints, this didn't really change much. I'm still happily painting every spare time I get. The only difference now is, this time it is with underlying glee knowing that there are people all over the world that appreciate what I create.

What role does your being Filipino play in your work, and how does it contribute to your artistic voice?

Some, but not all of my artworks do have some Filipino-ness in them, just like how my rendition of Vermeer's pointing was. It's not the theme I paint about the most, but I do find

myself subconsciously thinking of painting Philippine sceneries that I grew up enjoying.

Are there any upcoming projects or exhibitions that you're particularly excited about?

I currently have a project I wish to finish later this year or early 2024. I aim to paint 52 dog portraits and turn them into a deck of playing cards. All dog subjects are real pets of people all over the world who either submitted a photo of their pets when I did an open call for it, or are commissioned works. I'm down to 16 dog portraits before I finalize the layout and proceed with the production of a hundred card decks. These cards will be for sale, and so far about 40 decks are reserved. Other than that, I'm accepting commissioned works, pet portraits, and other special projects.

That sounds both amazing and inspiring. What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting their artistic journey and hoping to gain recognition in the international art community?

This will sound cliché but my advice to aspiring artists is to never stop creating. Every piece made is a step closer to your goal. Also, make art because it feels right for you. The best works aren't done under pressure.

Writer's profile

Chad Osorio is a lawyer-economist currently based in the Netherlands. He is a PhD candidate for Environmental Economics and Natural Resources (ENR) and LAW at Wageningen University. As a photographer, he has exhibited at Harvard in the US, the United Nations University in Bonn, Germany, and the British Council, among others. As an author, poet, and artist, he seeks to promote international collaboration and creativity through the synergy of various fields and perspectives.

Glensie Hombrebueno and her work ‘Babaeng Nakaperlas’ exhibited at Mauritshuis Museum in The Hague, Netherlands

HALF CIRCLES: EMMELOT GRACE PHOTOGRAPHY

A chat with Luz Bergersen

Photography by Grace Emmelot

As a creative, my photographs and artistic expressions are usually the product of a plethora of events, feelings, and memories that I accumulate through the years. My Filipino heritage has a significant impact on my attitude, work, and aspirations, as it does all Filipinos across the world. I feel it will always be embedded in some forms, evident in all our work, even if we are so distant from home. I think it is important to uphold to the admirable values that we have inherited. As Filipinos, I believe we all have this innate desire to see our motherland completely enjoy the independence and a better life

that we all sought for so long.

Grace Orbon Emmelot, Filipina photographer, resident in Norway was a featured artist at the Philippine Embassy in Oslo art exhibition entitled HALF CIRCLES. The exhibit was supposed to last for a month, but Grace’s work stayed there for about five months.

Currently working as a registered freelance photographer in Norway, Grace Orbon-Emmelot, has an impressive professional background in her field. She has wide experience in different genres of photography, multi-media graphic design, teaching, project management and events. Grace is passionate about documentary, film and creative en-

deavours. She is an avid portrait photographer and an avid virtual storyteller.

In a recent chat with Rawmags, Grace reveals the story behind HALF CIRCLES

Grace Emmelot: HALF CIRCLES means finding your own space in the world. It means completing my own circle for me. I began my journey as an artist/photographer in my homeland and now navigating perhaps the other half of the journey in a new home in Norway. The Half Circles exhibition is a migration journey of sorts, complex and nuanced, with the excitement of arriving in your new homeland and the loneliness of being apart from

what you left behind.

The exhibition showcased a collection of my visual narratives and distinct flavors of people and places throughout the Philippines as seen through my lens. It is an ode to the nostalgia of HOME. The curated picks are my way to connect and disconnect the pieces of my thoughts from the multitude of experiences and memories accumulated in my homeland.

The goal of the introspection is for the audience to walk away from this space with a hint of reminiscence as well as to relate to the immense courage of immigrants who have moved across the globe. Through this exhibit, I aim to reach out and collaborate with fellow artists and photographers by creating a common ground for organizing workshops in the field of arts and photography, best practice sharing, online forums, and photo walks, as well as help organize local exhibitions for other artists too.

Please tell us briefly about your background?

My mother is from Polangui, Albay and my father was born in Negros Occidental, but they both grew up in Iriga, Camarines Sur. I was born in San Pablo, Laguna, and grew up in Caloocan until I

finished my studies in AB Communication Arts at the University of the East. I worked for more than 2 decades in the corporate world and on the side, kept doing creative endeavors like indie filmmaking, photography, script writing and luckily became one of the Batch 14 workshoppers of writer Ricky Lee, who is now the National Artist for Film and Broadcast Media. But then, due to life’s unavoidable circumstances, I pursued photography instead of writing. Happily unmarried and solo parenting my 4 kids for many years, I decided to discontinue the corporate life path in 2018 to pursue my real passion in photography. It was a very unpopular decision for a single parent, to

become a full time freelance photographer and do my own project management. It was a tough and rough decision not to have a fixed income, but I have never been happier when I made that choice.

Pieter Emmelot, my now-husband, and I met in Singapore. He was backpacking in South East Asia, and I was in town for a photo shoot. Our love tale is a fortunate stroke of serendipity as we call it. The subject of photography drew two traveling photographers together. He noticed me taking long exposure (night photography) along Marina Bay and struck up a chat with me. After Singapore, my next destination shoot would be in Jakarta, while he would be in Bali. We agreed to meet again after my shoot, and before I knew it, he had booked a flight to Manila in less than a month to meet me again. The rest, as they say, is history.

My husband is Dutch, and he has been living in Norway for more than a decade. We shared the same passion in photography. We both planned to start our married life in Norway when he proposed to me in the Philippines just 10 months after we met. Moving to Norway was such a huge step for me, since it meant leaving everything behind and beginning a new chapter in my life. As a tribute to love, I named my photography Emmelot Grace Photography. It has shaped a new career route for me.

The exhibit is an interactive virtual photo exhibition. Grace considered displaying the photos in the exhibit only in half to pique the curiosity of visitors to the Embassy. "I want to meet my audience where they are today - online."

www.emmelotgracephotography.com

Celebrating the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence

12 JUNE 2023 — I had the pleasure of attending the 125th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day celebrations hosted by the Philippine Embassy in the Czech Republic, led by H.E. Ambassador Eduardo R. Meñez. The event took place at Mayakovsky Hall of the National House of Vinohrady (Národní dům na Vinohradec) on Monday evening. The event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps and distinguished guests.

Guests were invited to try Filipino dishes such as chicken adobo skewers, pork belly, and leche flan to name a few. The event also featured a beautiful exhibit showcasing Philippine national costumes, products and handicrafts.

A truly wonderful evening in celebration of our Philippine national day. It was a pleasure seeing familiar and new faces alike.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! A special thank you to the Philippine Embassy for the invitation.

CZECH REPUBLIC

Text and photos by Rebecca Urbancik Garcia

KALAYAAN GALA NIGHT 2023

H.E. Ambassador Enrico T. Fos Welcome Remarks

Clarion Hotel The Hub, Oslo

03 June 2023 Ms. Jean Langerud, coordinator of the Kalayaan Norge 2023, the main organizers of tonight’s Gala Night and Binibining Kalayaan 2023;

Our dear friend, Ullensaker Mayor Eyvind Jorgensen Schumacher; Other honored guests, friends, ladies and gentlemen, mga kababayan, magandang gabi sa inyong lahat.

Welcome to the Kalayaan Gala Night 2023 and Binibining Kalayaan 2023.

I would like to start with expressing our appreciation to the 380 guests at tonight´s Gala dinner. Last year, we only had 250 guests, now we have 380 guests. I also wish to express our appreciation to the 40 volunteer crew. Thank you very much for helping

to run the show tonight.

I know that Ms. Langerud has already introduced and thanked the Kalayaan Norge 2023 working group. But please allow me also to congratulate them for doing a splendid job in organizing the Gala Night and the Cultural and Family Day on June 10 at St. Hanshaugen Park. Mind you, this Gala Night is not the last of the events in Oslo. Allow me also to wish all the candidates of Binibining Kalayaan 2023 the best of luck. May the best and luckiest lady win.

Tonight, we celebrate two milestone events: the 75th Anniversary of Philippine- Norway relations and the 125th Anniversary of the Declaration of the Philippine Independence.

During this landmark year, we look back and learn our lessons from history and honor the sacrifices of those who came before us. The theme this year, “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.”, calls on us to use the lessons of history to chart a future that is free from fear and want, especially as we recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and, as the Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo said in his message to the Filipino community for the occasion, let us prepare ourselves to better

confront the challenges and demands of the 21 st century. We move forward confident of the strength of the relationship between our two countriesthe Philippines and Norway. This relationship is anchored on people, partnership and prosperity—all of which, you are a testament to.

Apart from our deep partnerships in several sectors, such as on maritime cooperation, renewable energy, green technology, and peace and reconciliation, our people-to-people connections are what binds the Filipinos and Norwegians together.

YOU. Each one of you are all living examples of this vibrant connection. You have come to this country to learn, to work, or to reunite with your families. Along the way, you have established enduring friendships, and on many occasions, built families.

You brought the unique Filipino culture to your places of work and residences and further enriched the diverse Norwegian culture. You have reinvigorated churches, schools, hospitals, ships and houses. You have made your lives better for yourselves and for your families, here and back home, and in the process you contributed to the progress of Norwegian economy. Norwegians have sung praises and gave good words on how their Filipino coworkers and neighbors displayed competence and hard work, and a strong sense of community and religious fervor.

I have personally seen this in many Filipino communities I have

been with all over of Norway— Norwegian husbands and children speaking in Filipino or your own dialects, enjoying Filipino food, singing and dancing along in community programs, and even being asked to help out during these Filipino community events and initiatives. I would like to think that the Filipino culture has rubbed off on them. And for that, I thank you for doing my job, as being mini-ambassadors of the Philippines in your respective communities.

As we become more active in the political and economic life of this nation, we make the foundations of our community in Norway stronger and more resilient for the coming generations. I have long asked you to bind together as a strong Filipino community, showcasing the best of the Filipino and what the Philippines has to offer.

I could say that you have be-

gun to rise to the occasion. Here in Oslo, we are celebrating the 125th Philippine Independence Day and the 75 th Philippine-Norway relations as one community with three events, and with several events also happening in areas outside of Oslo. Now, I throw you two more challenges.

First, I challenge you to take on leadership roles in your communities and if possible, in government. It is one thing to bind together as a community, it is another, to take one more step: to take the mantle of leadership and be strong partners of the leadership of your respective communities. I see many of you here are qualified to take on this task.

Second, I hope that you continue to display your Filipino patriotism not just during Independence Day or during Filipino community events. I hope you fulfill your duties as a Filipino-Norwegian and be aware of your responsibilities and rights wherever you are. I hope that here in Norway, they can take the Filipino out of the Philippines, but not the Filipino in them.

In closing, let me quote Secretary Manalo. He said, it is our hope that you “look to the future while cherishing the exceptional qualities that our ancestors exemplified and that continue to define the Filipino spirit today—courage, resilience, compassion, and a deep love of country.”

Mabuhay ang Kalayaan! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Magandang gabi sa inyong lahat, at maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat.

...look to the future while cherishing the exceptional qualities that our ancestors exemplified and that continue to define the Filipino spirit today—courage, resilience, compassion, and a deep love of country...

Pinoy Food Makes Waves in Belgium

FILIPINO CUISINE SHOWCASED IN THREE NOTABLE EVENTS IN BELGIUM

as these events have chosen to put a spotlight on the Philippines, showcasing our delectable cuisine at a global scale.

StrEat Fest opened its doors on the 11th of May for the second time since their successful launch last year. It was a 4-day food festival that presented all sorts of street food from all corners of the world. The festival was filled with food trucks, delicious aromas, along with concerts, performances, and workshops that the guests can enjoy. But what made StrEat Fest all the more exciting for their second launch, was that they chose to dedicate it to a particular country: The Philippines.

As the season begins to shift from spring to summer, food festivals and culinary events are starting to come up all over Europe. Although there are many events to note, three events happening in Belgium deserve to be highlighted

This was proposed by Glen Ramaekers, chef and owner of Humphrey, a Filipino gastronomy restaurant located in Brussels, which is one of the ambassadors for this year’s StrEat Fest event. The event having been dedicated to the Philippines showcased several aspects of Filipino cuisine, from street food dishes

Text by Krisha Valle

Images by Valentine Courrier, Rolando, Jaqueline Laudico & Amazing Asia Festival

StrEat Fest

BELGIUM

Chef Jerome Calayag

Chef Glen Ramaekers

like kwek-kwek, to ingredients specific to our cuisine like ube and calamansi, and as well as the renowned liquor Don Papa Rum, which is specially curated from sugarcane found on the fertile soils of the active volcano Mt. Kanlao. StrEat Fest fully honored the Philippines through this exquisite event and allowed for the unique tastes of our cuisine to be shared to many. “The highlight of the event is when people from other countries enjoy Filipino street food from the stand,” shared Filipino chef Jerome Calayag.

Philippine Culinary Week

from June 7th - 10th

Another event that took place was the fine dining experience that was held at Sofitel Brussels to celebrate Philippine Culinary Week from June 7th to the 10th. There was an additional event for the 12th of June to celebrate the Philippine Independence Day. This event was organised to showcase the culinary skills of husband and wife, chef Rolando and Jacqueline Laudico. The menu, held at the 1040 restaurant in Sofitel Brussels, had been carefully curated by the two chefs. Each dish intending to represent Filipino cuisine in a unique and palatable way for the guests to enjoy. Three events were organised for their trip in Europe, in Milan, Brussels, and The Hague.

Amazing Asia Festival

Finally, the last of these three events is the Amazing Asia Festival; yet another festival that chose to have the Philippines as the country of honor. This event is to be held in several regions of Belgium (each event lasting for 3 days), starting on the 9th of June in Hasselt and then ending on the 24th of September in Laak Dall. Amazing Asia Festival has been a successful food festival since 2019 and every year they choose a different country to showcase. Like most food festivals, the location is going to be filled with food trucks and stalls, performances, and a market fair. There are several things to enjoy at the Amazing Asia Festival each one intending to share the different traditions of the various Asian countries represented.

Belgium is about to be filled with the savory and delectable aromas for the coming months brought upon by our delicious Filipino cuisine. Although the StrEat Fest event has passed, the

Philippines Culinary Week and Amazing Asia Festival are still to come!

So, if you do find yourself in Belgium or just craving Filipino food and have the time to head over to Belgium, then don’t doubt it and just do it!

Amazing Asia Festival

Amazing Asia Festival

Celebrating RAMBAK Austria Festival 2023

On March 18, 2023, the Filipino-Austrian Association RAMBAK, celebrating indigenous identities of the Philippines, organized a festival at the “Bezirksamt”/district office of the 5th district in Vienna, Austria. The evening was moderated by Marilyn Velasco Magoo, who led us through a beautiful program, bringing the audience closer to the Philippines and its diversity.

The evening began with an introduction of the Association and speeches of the Permanent Mission and Em bassy of the Republic of the Philippines Chargé d’ Affaires, Mr. Frank Ivan Olea, district official of Margareten, and speaker of the city of Vienna for Integration and Diversity.

After playing the national anthem of both the Philippines and Austria, a large buffet was opened to the guests to taste dishes from the Philippines, like pancit, lumpia, my favorite stew of vegetables and okra plus Indian samosas.

Next to the food were some booths, showcasing Filipino culture. On a wall were analogue photographs from the Philippines by Venus Velasco Magoo from 2020: “A documentation about the country, their traditional aspect as well as the people living there and the beauty of the countryside.” Another booth was about the Halo Halo community (Filipino-Austrian/Swiss/ Germans).

Christel Gano, owner and founder of Ligaya Apparel also had a booth dedi-

cated to their clothing brand.

RAMBAK-Austria, the main organiser of the event, had a table featuring their book and self-made bags. Loreleis Pan, a Filipino-Austrian baker, offered and served their specialty cake as dessert to complete the meal.

The program started with a mountain song from the Cordillera Region, honoring the northern provinces and mountains, sung with the help of the audience. A fashion show presented traditional Philippine clothes from different regions like Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga and western lowlands. Some of these clothes were made out of pineapple fiber including the popular Barong Tagalog and Filipiniana.

A surprise act from Vincent Bueno, known Filipino-Austrian singer and comedian. He serenaded the audience with an original song on the piano. Vincent Bueno inherited his musicality from his father, Tony Bueno, who performed a classic Filipino song. He then performed together with the Filipino Catholic Chaplaincy Choir.

The RAMBAK Youth showed a dance called “Salakot” with hats as props. The dancing continued with the Filipino Catholic Chaplaincy Dancers and a solo performance from one of the youths. Before the evening came to an end, the audience was invited to dance together through the room as traditional fermented rice wine “Tapuey” was served.

It was an inspiring evening to get to know and experience Filipino traditions, especially from the northern regions while spreading the cultural awareness programs of RAMBAK-Austria.

Nicole Flierman (right) is a Filipino Shiatsu Practitioner and Nurse from Vienna, Austria.

Directory of Philippine Embassies in Europe

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

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

AUSTRIA

Embassy of the Philippines, Vienna

H.E. Ambassador Evangelina Lourdes A. Bernas

20th and 21st Floor, ARES Tower

Donau-City-Strasse 11, A-1220

Vienna, Austria

Tel (+43-1) 533-2401

Emergency Tel (+43-6991) 232-2034

Email: vienna.pe@dfa.gov.ph vienna.pm@dfa.gov.ph

WWW.VIENNAPE.DFA.GOV.PH

BELGIUM

Embassy of the Philippines, Brussels

H.E. Ambassador Eduardo José A. De Vega

297 Avenue Moliere, Brussels, 1050 BELGIUM

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

Emergency Tel (+32-4) 8860-9177

Email: brussels.pe@dfa.gov.ph;  brusselspe@gmail.com

Facebook: @PHinBelgium

WWW.BRUSSELSPE.DFA.GOV.PH

CZECH REPUBLIC

Embassy of the Philippines, Prague

H.E. Ambassador Eduardo R. Meñez

Senovazne Namesti 8, Prague 1, 110 00

Czech Republic

Tel (+420) 224-216397

(+420) 224-216397 /

224-216385

Emergency Tel (+420) 607-850-764

Email: prague.pe@dfa.gov.ph; praguepe@gmail.com

Facebook: @PHinCzechRepublic

WWW.PRAGUEPE.DFA.GOV.PH

DENMARK

Embassy of the Philippines, Copenhagen

H.E. Ambassador Leo M. Herrera-Lim

Arne Jacobsens Alle 13, 1st Floor, 2300

Copenhagen, Denmark

Tel (+45) 7141-5952

Emergency (+45) 2273-3933

Email: copenhagen.pe@dfa.gov.ph

Facebook: @PHinDenmark

WWW.COPENHAGENPE.DFA.GOV.PH

FINLAND

Hon. Consulate General in Helsinki

Ms. Maria Kauppinen

Honorary Consul

Ylisrinne 6A-T2, 02210 Espoo

Finland

Tel (+358) 400 913 243

EMAIL: DCKAUPPINEN.M@GMAIL.COM

FRANCE

Embassy of the Philippines, Paris

H.E Ambassador Junever M. Mahilum-West

4 Hameau de Boulainvilliers

45 Rue du Ranelagh

75016 Paris, France

Tel (+331) 4414-5700

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

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

Email: paris.pe@dfa.gov.ph

parispe.dfa@gmail.com

Facebook: @PHinFrance

WWW.PARISPE.DFA.GOV.PH

GERMANY

Embassy of the Philippines, Berlin

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

Luisenstrasse 16, 10117 Berlin-Mitte

Federal Republic of Germany

Tel +49 (0) 30 864 95 00

Emergency +49 (0) 173-521-5703

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

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

WWW.PHILIPPINE-EMBASSY.DE

Consulate General of the Philippines, Frankfurt

Westend Carree

Grüneburgweg 16-18, 1st Floor

60322 Frankfurt Am Main

Federal Republic of Germany

Tel (+49) (0) 69 8700 66900

Hotline (+49) (0) 151 6248 7425

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

Email: frankfurt.pcg@dfa.gov.ph

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

WWW.FRANKFURTPCG.DE

WWW.FRANKFURTPCG.DFA.GOV.PH/

GREECE

Embassy of the Philippines, Athens

H.E. Ambassador Giovanni E. Palec

26 Antheon Street, Paleo Psychico 154-52

Athens, Greece

Tel (+30210) 672-1883

(+30210) 672-1883

672-1837

Emergency (+30-697) 968-2921, (+30-697) 968-2921

Email: athens.pe@dfa.gov.ph; ATHENSPE@OTENET.GR

HUNGARY

Embassy of the Philippines, Budapest

H.E. Ambassador Frank R. Cimafranca

1026 Budapest, Gabor Aron utca 58 Budapest, Hungary

Tel (+36-1) 391-4300

Email: budapest.pe@dfa.gov.ph / phbuda@philembassy.hu

Facebook: @PHLinHungary WWW.BUDAPESTPE.DFA.GOV.PH

ISRAEL

Embassy of the Philippines, Tel-Aviv

H.E.  Ambassador-designate Macairog S. Alberto

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

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

Emergency (+972-54) 466-1188

(+972-54) 466-1188

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

ITALY

Embassy of the Philippines, Rome

H.E. Ambassador Domingo P. Nolasco

Viale delle Medaglie d’Oro 112-114

00136 Rome, Italy

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

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

Email: rome.pe@dfa.gov.ph romepe2007@gmail.com

WWW.PHILEMBASSY-ROME.NET

THE NETHERLANDS

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, THE HAGUE

H.E. Ambassador Jose Eduardo Malaya

Tel (+31) 70360-4820

Emergency (+31)(0) 65261-1079

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

Facebook: @PHinTheNetherlands

WWW.THEHAGUEPE.DFA.GOV.PH

NORWAY

Embassy of the Philippines, Oslo

H.E. Ambassador Enrico T. Fos

Nedre Vollgate 4, 0158 Oslo, Norway

P.O. Box 1758 VIKA N-0122 Oslo, Norway (+47) 224-00900 (+47) 224-00900

Emergency (+47) 902 41 171

Email: helpdesk@philembassy.no

WWW.PHILEMBASSY.NO

ICELAND

Philippine Consulate, Reykjavik, Iceland

H.E. Consul Maria Priscilla Zanoria a.h

Skógarsel 39

109 Reykjavik, Iceland

Tel (+354) 897 5391

EMAIL: PHILCONSUL@SIMNET.IS

POLAND

Embassy of the Philippines, Warsaw

H.E. Ambassador Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz

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

Tel +48 22 490 2025 and +48 694 491 664

Emergency +48 604 357 396

Email: warsaw.pe@dfa.gov.ph

Facebook: @PHLinPoland

WWW.WARSAWPE.DFA.GOV.PH

PORTUGAL

Embassy of the Philippines, Lisbon

H.E. Ambassador Celia Anna M. Feria

Rua Barata Salgueiro 30–3 andar

1250-044 Lisbon, Portugal

Tel (+351) 216-083-274; 216-083-276; 216-083-277

Emergency (+351) 925-410-257

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

WWW.LISBONPE.DFA.GOV.PH

RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Embassy of the Philippines, Moscow

H.E. Ambassador Carlos D. Sorreta Karmanitsky

Pereulok 8

Building 1, 121099

Moscow, Russian Federation

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

Email: moscow.pe@dfa.gov.ph

moscowpe@mailfrom.ru

Facebook: Philembassy Moscow

WWW.MOSCOWPE.DFA.GOV.PH

SPAIN

Embassy of the Philippines, Madrid

H.E Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier

Calle Eresma 2, 28002 Madrid, Spain (Chancery)

Calle Guadalquivir 6, 28002 Madrid, Spain

(Consular Section)

Tel (+34) 917-823-830 / 917-823-836; 917-451734 (Consular Section)

Emergency (+34) 616-491-861

Email: madrid.pe@dfa.gov.ph / madridpe@yahoo.com

Consular: info@philembassymadrid. com / consular@philembassymadrid.com

Facebook: @PHinSpain

www.philembassymadrid.com

WWW.MADRIPE.DFA.GOV.PH

Consulate General Barcelona

Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro

Rambla de Catalunya 33, Planta Principal 08007

Barcelona, Spain

+34 938 28 83 12

BARCELONAPCG.CONSULAR@DFA.GOV.PH

SWEDEN

Embassy of the Philippines in Stockholm, Sweden

Address Grenstigen 2A, 181 31 Lidingö, Sweden.

H.E. Maria Lumen B. Isleta Ambassador

Tel + 46 70 8474780

Email phiinsweden@gmail.com

Mobile +46 702 735 407, +63 9054039435 (Viber)

EMAIL: STOCKHOLM.PE@DFA.GOV.PH

SWITZERLAND

Embassy of the Philippines, Berne

H.E. Ambassador-designate

Bernard Faustino M. Dy Kirchenfeldstrasse 73-75

3005 Berne, Switzerland

Tel (+41-31) 350-1700

Emergency (+41-79) 542-1992

Email: berne.pe@dfa.gov.ph / info@philembassyberne.ch

Facebook: @PHinSwitzerland

WWW.BERNEPE.DFA.GOV.PH

Permanent Representative to United Nations Office at Geneva

H.E. Ambassador Evan P. Garcia

47 Avenue Blac, 1202 Geneva

Switzerland

Tel (+41-22) 716-1930

Emergency (+41-79) 1369-114

Email: geneva.pm@dfa.gov.ph / genevapm49@ gmail.com genevapm.dfa.gov.ph

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/GENEVAPCG

UNITED KINGDOM

Embassy of the Philippines, London

H.E. Ambassador Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. 6-8 Suffolk Street, London SW1Y 4HG

United Kingdom of Great Britain

Tel (+44) 20-7451-1780

Emergency (+44) 78-0279-0695

Email: london.pe@dfa.gov.ph / embassy@philemb.co.uk

Facebook: @PHLinUK

WWW.LONDONPE.DFA.GOV.PH

VATICAN, ITALY

Embassy of the Philippines, Vatican

Hon. (Mr.) Charlie P. Manangan

Charge d’ Affaires

Via Paolo VI, 29, 00193 Rome, Italy

Tel (+39-06) 6830-8020

Email: vatican.pe@dfa.gov.ph / vaticanpe2@gmail.com

https://dfa.gov.ph/about/dfa-directory/ourforeign-service-posts-dfa

WWW.VATICANPE.DFA.GOV.PH

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Young, engaging, extraordinary Ambassador to Switzerland Bernard Faustino M. Dy

The Philippine Commission on Appointments confirmed in December 2022 Bernard Faustino Dy as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Swiss Confederation with concurrent jurisdiction over the Principality of Liechtenstein.

Ambassador Dy is a valued public figure, a United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) changemaker, past president of the Junior Chamber International (Jaycees International is a non-profit international non-governmental organisation of young people between 18 and 40), The Outstanding Young Men Award (TOYM ’18), father and husband.

On the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood at the Philippine Embassy in Berne, Switzerland, Ambassador Bernard Dy gra-

ciously responded to on spot questions by Betsy Jance von Atzigen, Roots & Wings (Rawmags) editor in chief.

Betsy von Atzigen: Welcome to Switzerland Ambassador Bernard Dy!

Ambassador Dy: It is a pleasure and an honour for me to meet and be with our Filipino Community here in Switzerland as we commemorate our 125th Philippine Independence Day.

This is my first post. I’m not a career diplomat from DFA. I come from the local government as Mayor (of Cauayan, Isabela) for 9 years and it’s a totally new ball game for me, coming from the local, and now international. I’m looking forward to it and feeling the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino community here in Switzerland.

Text by Betsy Jance von Atzigen

Have you met the Filipino community of Switzerland earlier?

Yes, I already attended the Philippine Independence Day celebration in other parts of Switzerland and have met Filipino communities. It’s been a wonderful reception, feeling the warmth of the Filipino community.

Roots & Wings readers from the Filipino communities across Europe are trending this interview. What message have you got to everyone on the 125th Philippine Independence celebration?

I personally as well as the (Philippine) President always mention this that we have the utmost respect for our Filipinos abroad because they are really the ambassadors of our nation. And now as we celebrate 125 years of nationhood, it is just but right and necessary for us to really acknowledge the Filipinos living abroad because they are the epitome of Filipinos. They have the resiliency despite the challenges that they face - despite being away from their families, Filipinos are still putting in a good name in front of the global community. With that, I want to express my utmost respect and I salute all Filipinos across the globe.

Talking about Filipinos bringing families abroad, may I ask, Is your family with you? Would you tell us about your family?

My family is not physically with me here in Switzerland. They’re in Vienna and hopefully they’ll follow in the summer holidays. My kids are 5 and 8 years old, both boys and mostly German now because the mom is German. They have been residing in Vienna but the kids still have that great Filipino blood in them, enjoying adobo, pansit and lumpia!

One final question and perhaps the most important. What plans have you got for the Filipino community here in Switzerland? What can we expect from your ambassadorship, from your leadership?

Coming from the local government, I’m really geared towards enhancing the sustainability aspect, which is also aligned with the President wanting a digitalized and innovative nation. It’s a blessing in disguise that I’m posted here in Switzerland. This is the most inno -

vative country. Apart from that, we see the resiliency of Filipinos coming from different sectors and industries. So far I’ve seen that we can build …our nation and make it stronger.

Some of our Filcom leaders I met earlier are worried that the second generation are not as active anymore. I think this is one of the things which I can bring on as I am part of the youth sector. If I engage them, there’s a possibility that we can make them live the values of our Filipino people.

With that, and on behalf of the Roots & Wings Team, Betsy thanked Ambassador Bernard Dy and wished him all the best in his new assignment among approx. 18,000 Filipinos in Switzerland.

May we maintain the love for our Motherland, wherever we are in the world!

What does it mean to “come home” for the first time?

In 2015, Tahanan Books for Young

Readers published Amy Luna-Capelle’s From Manila With Love: A Balikbayan Story. It’s a picture book about a young girl who accompanies her Filipina mother to Manila for the first time.

The book tenderly captures the joy of homecoming. It draws upon common balikbayan experiences such as arriving in a sticky-hot airport, meeting a barangay of relatives face-to-face, and sharing a table laden with comforting Filipino food. In this story, the little girl finally meets her grandmother who has loved her through years of letter-writing and sending pasalubongs.

The homecoming of the balikbayan is

a story that is familiar to Filipinos. (Who doesn’t have a Tito or Tita who moved abroad to start a new life?) But when Amy wrote her manuscript, it was out of frustration for the lack of books about the Philippines that she could share with her son. While there are many books

Text by Frances Ong

about children born and raised in the Philippines, there’s still a dearth of stories about children born in our diaspora.

As a child, American-born Amy saw her beloved grandparents in the Philippines only a handful of times. Her Lola Conching bridged the distance between them with yearly birthday letters and native biscuits with love from Mindanao. And, whenever he visited the United States, her Lolo José brought her delicious dried mangoes. These are some of the memories that inspired From Manila With Love.

The book also plays with the idea of “home.” The girl’s mother is coming home to a place she left long ago. But her Filipino-American daughter is “coming home” for the first time and learning that no matter how far away we are, we hold a piece of this home for each other.

I often hear from mothers here and abroad: We want our children to know our culture. We want them to know where we come from. There is an urgency to plant roots, build a bridge to a home built from memory.

Last week, a young Filipina mother, who lives in Switzerland, was gushing to me about From Manila With Love. She wanted to write stories for her children and laughingly told us that her earliest attempts ended up sounding too much like Amy’s book.

But From Manila with Love is only one of many stories born from the diaspora. And as the world changes, how will we experience this dear distance? What other stories can we share with each other?.

FRANCES ONG is the managing editor of Tahanan Books from Young Readers, a Manila-based publishing house that specializes in children’s books that celebrate Filipino life and culture. From Manila with Love can be purchased online...

www.tahananbooks.com

Where does HAPPILY EVER AFTER begin?

First person narrative by Aimee AladoBlake, Gavin’s bride and Rawmag’s UK Legal Counsel

Iam unsure how, where and when to begin when asked to write about the extraordinary journey of our love story (#GavTakesAim) (https://aimeegavinwedding.com/), as I can play around with a lot of variables (or multicollinearity).

Starting from the circumstances of

our first meeting in London in February 2017, his proposal in Portugal in June 2019, and our Vatican wedding on the leap day of 2020, culminating in our renewal of vows ceremony on a Philippine island on Easter Sunday of 2023.

And of course, numerous trips together within the UK, to Paris, Brussels, Sofia, Athens, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy and the Vatican, Switzerland, Canada, Brunei Darussalam, Israel and Palestine, Barbados, USA, Singapore, the Philippines (6x) and counting!

Although we are from different professions, we’re not too dissimilar. Aimee - an international lawyer and Gavin formerly an engineer is also an accountant/finance professional. Other significant variables that factor are culture, background, heritage, country, and nationality, and let me say multiple jurisdictions, interracial marriage, religion, and others.

I am a believer of fate and destiny anchored naturally on my Catholic faith, which convinced me that our “uneventful” chance encounter in 2017 would lead to a relationship of a lifetime. The stars indeed aligned. This relationship has since then strengthened my faith and helped us navigate our

human fallibilities. It has helped us deal with the pandemic in the last three years and kept safe our family and friends until the big event on the 9th of April 2023.

The (first) wedding date was originally scheduled for 12 April 2020 at Shangri-La Resort & Spa, Boracay Island, Philippines (“SLBO”) (https://www.shangri-la. com/boracay/boracayresort/). A choice of beach wedding versus a wedding in historical venues in the UK or Europe, Boracay was not my obvious choice being born and bred in the Philippines but I think Gavin really liked Boracay on his first visit in 2017.

I/we never realised that planning for a wedding would entail a LOT of work! Thank God, I listened to [my] friend Maridee who suggested Amanda Tirol to be our wedding planner (@eventsbyamandatirol or boracayweddings. org).

For the rest of 2019, it became a preoccupation, more like another job, really, planning and preparing for the wedding. In the Philippines,

a Catholic wedding ceremony is recognised as both religious and civil, i.e. will have a dual binding effect under the church and law. The only caveat is that you have to be married inside a church and not ‘outdoors’, i.e. beach or mountain or forest, nor ‘underwater’ for scuba enthusiast couples.

This presented us with a major challenge as it means that we

cannot do a beach wedding. Or proceed to do one, albeit it will not be recognised as a legal marriage. And then there was the worldwide challenge of Covid!

As early as December 2019/January 2020, Covid-19 was emerging to be a worldwide concern. We were in liaison with Amanda during this time all too concerned with the impending Philippine (first) lockdown that happened on 14th March 2020. This meant that we had to postpone the first date but God knows to when?! I was the most devastated as my nature would dictate such a reaction when a plan gets postponed. And the uncertainty of how long the pandemic would last add more to this unwanted feeling.

Meanwhile, amidst all this ‘pandemonium’ we were gifted by ‘divine intervention’ to marry at the Vatican on 29th February 2020, when countries started to close borders and restrictions were getting tighter each passing day (the whole of Italy went into lockdown on 9th March 2020), we held our (1st) wedding and eucharistic celebration at the 1565-year old Parish Church for the Vatican City State, Sant’Anna dei Palafrenieri/

Pontificia Parrocchia Di S. Anna, Città del Vaticano.

My grateful thanks to Monsigñor Jerry Bitoon, Father Stefano, and Father Erickson for making this all possible. Also, to (Tita) Lolita Valderrama Savage who stood as sponsor and arranged for the after-party and to our other witnesses - Ramon, Shane, Raul and Lars. Everything just happened perfectly, and I/we believe in accordance with God’s will that LOVE (in the time of COVID-19) had triumphed when the world stood still.

Fast forward three years later on 9th April 2023, and like the late Queen’s message of hope in April

2020 (“We will be with our families and friends again”), we gathered with our family and friends from different countries to witness our re-affirmation (renewal of vows) of our declaration made on 29th February 2020, at the world’s often voted best beach and islandBoracay Island, Philippines at the 5-star (more like 7-star) ShangriLa Resort.

The Philippines has many of the world’s excellent wedding (or any occasion) destinations! The places themselves are picturesque, blessed with the beauty of nature and impeccable Filipino hospitality and talent. All praises

to Amanda’s team, all the staff of SLBO especially our own butler at the panoramic Tree House Villa, Playlife & Bordoy’s Photography team who edited this impressive same-day video (https://youtu.be/ zTk3nxinZFE); my make-up artistAngel; emcee Kate Chavez and other suppliers who made everything a “PERFECT production” where everyone had the best time of their lives.

Life is good, everyone should get one. And what makes life good is LOVE and HOPE. Whatever type or form of love (to your other half/ significant other, family, friends or mankind in general), make sure you

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ANG KABATAAN SA UAE -

YOUNG FILIPINO VOICES

Text and images by contributors, Edited by

Anton Miguel De Vera

It is without a doubt that the Filipino community has brought great contributions to the vital success of the United Arab Emirates in the fields of sciences, services, technology and engineering. “In fact, practically everywhere” says UAE Minister, His Excellency, Sheikh Nahyan during the Philippines Independence Day celebrations in 2023 in Dubai.

With more than 650,000 Filipinos living in the U.A.E., they continue to show their pride of being Filipino through a variety of media such as art, music, literature, education, public service, and more. This articles acts as a continuation of showcasing the advocacy and talents of young Filipinos as role models from different parts of the world.

Here are some young, creative, and talented Filipino voices based in the United Arab Emirates:

experience that helped shape her into the person she is today.

Growing up in the Philippines, Elizah was always fascinated by the world of fashion. She loved watching fashion shows and would often design her own clothes in her spare time. When her family moved to the UAE in 2010, Elizah was initially overwhelmed by the new environment. However, she soon adapted to life in the UAE and began to explore her love of fashion even further.

At the age of 18, Elizah enrolled in a one-year Fashion Design program at a university in London, Instituto Marangoni. The experience gave her a deeper knowledge and appreciation for the world of fashion and gave her the opportunity to represent Filipino culture to her foreign classmates. It also helped her promote sustainable fashion and she even volunteered with organizations to help spread awareness. However, as much as she loved the subject, the pandemic made her desire a more practical approach to her career and she wanted to explore other passions as well.

ELIZAH MENDOZA

Moving from one country to another can be a daunting experience, especially for a 10-year-old child. However, for one young woman, her move from the Philippines to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) proved to be a life-changing

After completing her Fashion Design program, Elizah decided to take a gap year and explored her many interestsfrom making and selling her own artworks to video production to event hostessing for Forbes, Louvre, among other clients. She worked multiple part-time jobs, including brand promotion and commercial acting to save for future endeavors. She also used some of her earnings to travel solo

and see the world, experiencing new cultures and broadening her horizons, learning how to be independent and navigating life at her own pace.

After careful thought and consideration, Elizah decided to pursue a degree in Computer Science at another UKbased University, BathSpa University. Studying the subject has been a very challenging but rewarding experience for her. She had to work hard to adapt to a new academic environment, but she has found the subject matter to be quite fascinating. Elizah is particularly interested in artificial intelligence and machine learning, and she hopes to pursue a career in these fields after graduation.

In her spare time she likes crocheting, taking care of her pet dog and plants, gaming, and playing the piano.

RAPHAEL CREER

Born in Cebu City, Philippines, Raphael Creer grew up in a family of artists and has always been encouraged to be curious and creative.

He is a singer, songwriter, producer, photographer, and videographer. He is

now based in the capital of UAE, Abu Dhabi.

He grew up exploring different genres of music such as pop, funk, R&B, bossa nova, and alternate rock. He started a YouTube channel where he occasionally posts cover of a wide variety of songs, old and new, adding his own flavor and spice. Eventually, with his ever-growing passion for music, he released his first single titled "Instax", a Pop and Funk-inspired song by Bruno Mars and Boy Pablo. His stream numbers amass 100,000 plus views on all platforms and socials combined.

He is also an award-winning photographer and videographer, with his works winning 1st place and Overall champion in prestigious competitions such as Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA), Kabayan Photography Photo Competition, Legacy of Sheikh Zayed Competition, and the Qasr Al Hosn Heritage Photography competition.

Raphael was recently featured on Dubai One TV. At present, he's doing gigs around the UAE as a local artist, working with the record label The Barcoe Studio and is planning to release an EP and a music video towards the end of 2023. We're excited to share more about it soon!

MOHAMMED FARHAN

Mohammed Farhan (Moe) aka Embers is a Filipino DJ & Producer residing in the UAE. Drawing tremendous inspiration from accomplished and master art-

ists, namely Illenium, Mazare, Nurko and many others.

Embers has established himself as a creative and versatile artist overtime, combining emotional depth and transparency with bold expression and experimentation. He’s also developing an explorative concept, known as the “Different Embers” concept - experimenting with various styles and genres. His experiences outside of the Philippines are growing, and gradually becoming one of many underground producers .

Mohammed has performed at dif-

ferent venues including "The Barcoe Studio" and house parties. He dreamt of performing in big events such as Ultra Music Festival (UMF), and Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC).

During his journey, he met a lot of artists and was invited to collaborate on his music projects in his upcoming album "The Fragment". Look out for it.

Each of these young Filipinos took their passion and brought into fruition as they journey across their life living abroad. All of them continue to bring their talents to the next level that could only amplify the talents and contributions of the Filipino diaspora in the UAE and around the globe. I (Anton) am especially honoured and grateful to be remembered by these amazing people of my childhood and to be able to share their humble stories in achieving their dreams. Roots & Wings would like to thank Elizah, Raphael, and Mohammed for allowing us to feature them enthusiastically, completing another part to our Kabataan series.

We hope to see many more young Filipinos dedicate their work in appreciating Filipino culture and communities in different parts of the world.

https://gulfnews.com/uae/watch-uae-minister-hails-filipino-community-at-philippines-independence-day-celebrations-in-dubai-1.88855188

SWEET REPRIEVE

Text by Donna Patricia Manio and images by Artem Levy

Known to be one of the Philippines’ true gems, Coron is world-famous for its clear, blue waters and white sand beaches. It’s the perfect place to start if you want to fall in love with the country all over again.

While a witty descriptor of traveler behavior post-pandemic, the term “revenge travel” fails to capture what going places really gives a person: A sense of adventure. Much needed

solace. A renewed sense of wonder. A reprieve from the wear and tear of life.

It feels more enriching to approach the idea of travel as transformative instead of something obligatory that stems out of years of being cooped up or even from the pressure of producing “content” for social media. Travel is a spiritual experience in which the traveler connects with the destination.

Visiting Coron, Palawan in the post-pan-

demic era is a balm that soothes a person’s soul. With its many natural wonders and a vibrant local scene, it’s easy to see why many international and Filipino travelers are getting to know this island paradise again.

Going to unknown places may be jarring to some, so it’s helpful to find the most comfortable set up as possible. Coron’s Tag Resort and Leisure Complex is a wonderful spot for both solo and group travelers. The complex’s design embraces the natural beauty of its surroundings: it doesn’t feel artificial or intimidating. In such an environment, it’s easy to let one’s guard down and simply relax.

Guests are immediately welcomed by a relaxing atmosphere. The lobby’s tropical design is mixed with colorful contemporary art, a clear signal that both relaxation and fun are priorities in the resort. A vast lagoon pool, which faces the beachfront is a soothing view for visitors. And past the pool and cabanas is the beach, its white sand and crystal blue waters always inviting and captivating. Setting eyes upon these sights is enough to engulf anyone with a sense of calm. Finally, a sweet reprieve in an island paradise.

The resort is also expansive; those who want to ease into island living can do so without being jolted into doing the many attractions in Coron right away such as snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, jetskiing, or eating out at the many small restaurants that have mushroomed in the town proper, each one serving different cuisines of the world from Filipino to Italian to Japanese to Thai.

It is quite lovely to take leisurely strolls in the resort, amongst its cabanas and villas. For those who wish for some time alone, the Villas are the perfect getaway. Some of them, like mine, have direct access to the lagoon pool and all that needs to be done is open the back door and jump into the cool water. There are floating tables, for those who want to enjoy snacks or drinks in the water. In this place, everything is optimized for leisure, relaxation, and convenience. The villas are understatedly luxurious with their tropical minimalist interiors— it’s easy to imagine why people wouldn’t want to leave and explore the island right away: it feels like home or an upgraded version of it, the upgrade coming largely from the beach.

The horizon is blue on blue against white sand, the very best of island living. The shore-

line at Tag is a wonderful prelude to exploring the rest of Coron. After steadying oneself at Tag, it’s easy to go on many adventures from there. Most sites are approximately 25 to 45 minutes away.

To commune with nature, there’s the pristine Kayangan lake, also known for the limestone formations surrounding it. The hike to this spot is worth it for the view alone and the way there is almost as pretty: trekkers are treated to lush foliage and mountain views as they ascend to the pinnacle, where the view is the best: varying shades of blue on the sea and sky, outlines of white sand, and limestone mountains speckled with green.

Those who wish to snorkel or go scuba diving are in for a treat at Barracuda Lake. The water in this area is emerald green and is beloved by freedivers for the underwater caves, rock formations, and even marine life. To really experience the place, one must be brave enough—and well-trained, if not supervised— to dive into the deep waters. Sure, a novice may enjoy it, but most likely won’t get the full experience. Nonetheless, a visit to this lake is worth it for true nature lovers and those who want to marvel at how vast and wild nature really is. Being in such a place gives a person a sense of how small we may be in the grand scheme of things, it’s easy to be in awe.

After swimming in Coron’s lakes and beaches, travelers can return to their second home and unwind at Tag’s restaurant or bar to cap off a long day of adventure and appreciating nature. The meals are hearty and filling, perfect treats from a long day of enjoying life: grilled seafood, chicken, sauteed vegetables. The drinks are just as refreshing as the sights of Coron, concoctions that are more than enough to quench one’s thirst and lift one’s spirits.

This is what a typical day would be like in the island paradise of Coron, Palawan: soothing, awe-inspiring. Many stay for days and even weeks to discover more. It’s no wonder it’s so easy to fall in love with Coron, to keep on returning to it. It is a place so inviting and to equate travel there with revenge would be a mistake. Experiences here aren’t to be approached with frantic greed, but with an open heart that welcomes a multitude of possibilities for serenity and wonder.

Siargao Islands

Text and images by Myla Arceno, MCSP

Good men are blessings indeed. My good husband, Joseph dragged me along from Cagayan de Oro City to Siargao- bus, car and boat. The Island is still recovering from the effects of Typhoon

Odette last year but the nature’s beauty is always there. The nearby Dinagat Island which was also badly affected by Odette was one of my brother’s Medical mission project with his wonderful DOH colleagues. So this trip is special- it’s for you my brother toto Petboy ( RIP), our supposed trip for next year, Joseph and

I did it !

We stayed in General Luna for easy access to island hopping and where the surfing area is.

Island hopping is a must when you are in Siargao - you have to see the Naked Island, where it’s literally naked but just a lump of white sand, changing in size and shape, depending if high

or low tide, Daku (big) island and Guyam island this island you can hire overnight, so you have the island to yourselves for a very reasonable price.

We had our fresh water boat paddle in Maasin River and a dip in cool water lagoon where the spring water come out from the roots of the trees - amazing indeed.

The people in Siargao are very protective of the environment, passionate about it and proud of this beautiful island . We used drinking straw made of rice and bamboo as no

plastics are allowed. You have to take out your footwear when you go inside the shops and in some restaurants too. Dogs and cats are friendly. People and new friends we’ve met seems everywhere in the island - the same barista staff in the morning and we’ve seen them in the bar in the evening too as the establishments are helping out each other if they need more manpower. Bayanihan in action !

Thank you for the many people and Countries who helped Siargao after typhoon Odette! We’ve got to enjoy it.

Make sure to spend a day to see some of the Inland places- Mangroves reserve, caves and other Lagoons. The famous Rock Island and lagoon was nowhere to be seen because it was high tide.

TRIP TIPS

BRING CASH ( pesos)

with you as not all of the establishments accept card payments. ATM is Euronet but costly which seasoned travellers will avoid. Island hopping can be booked online or via your resort, usually included with the yummy lunch.

You can’t BOOK DIRECTLY from the boatmen. The tourism office has a fair system of booking the boats and everyone who travelled for the island hopping has to be recorded.

You have to PAY THE BOATMEN DIRECTLY, Joseph and I had the boat to ourselves and had a lunch stopover in Daku island.

Books are Vital in Improving Reading Skills of Young Filipino Students

Labney Integrated School (LIS) in Mayantoc, Tarlac, one of the chosen benificiaries this 2023 of Roots & Wings’ Social Entrepreneurship Program thru the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, received a donation of 85 titles of children’s Filipino books from Tahanan Books - a welcome contribution to start the school’s library.

Here are the thoughts of the teachers of Labney on the importance of upgrading the reading skills of young Filipino students.

We were told, LIS does not have a library at the moment. How important is it for the school to have access to books for reading, activity and class references?

Books are vital to a student’s life. It contains essential knowledge that contributes to learners academic achievement. It is really important to have access to books as it will help the teachers in improving students’ critical thinking, reading and comprehension skills.

Some barrio schools reported poor readership among learn-

ers a results of the two year lockdown and distance learning model. Can you share with us what reading activities are being conducted to help reduce non-readers in your school? Conducting reading intervention by utilizing available learning materials and remedial classes are some of the activities conducted in our school in order to reduce the number of non-readers. No one should be left behind. Teachers are always exerting efforts in order to address the students’ needs and trying their best to make all learners “readers”.

Aside from text books, do children have ready access to the internet? We learned that the school was just connected to the internet last May 2023. Not all students of LIS have access

to the internet. Only a few in the community have an internet connection since most of the students belong to poor families who cannot afford the cost of internet connectivity.

In this modern day and age of technology and social media, do you think reading an actual book still has value?

Reading an actual book is essential and will always be relevant to a student’s life. In today’s advancement of technology, books are still valuable for one’s academic success. When the habit of reading books will be developed by every learner, they will be able to improve their social skills, broaden their knowledge, gain real-life experiences and become competent.

Text by Mon Corpuz, Black Pencil Project Volunteer for Yellow Boat of Hope of Foundation

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