Roots & Wings | Summer 2017

Dear Kababayans It is summer in Europe once again and we Euro-Pinoys know how to take advantage of the tropical-like weather. We love the colorful Flores de Mayo, we enjoy Independence Day parades, relish Barrio Fiestas, cultural festivals and sports tournaments, even gardening, fishing, barbecuing, golfing, sailing, travelling.

It’s more fun to be a Filipino in Europe.

One of the highlights of the season is the sensational solo exhibit of self-made artist Celia Flor P. Tan at the Gallery T in the Old Town of Stockholm. In an intimate conversation, Celia candidly and laughingly shared with us how she accidentally became an artist. We hope you will enjoy Celias artworks on our cover and in the inside pages.

Jose Rizal. The quintessential hero. Heroes come and go. But Rizal continues to inspire, challenge and amaze. We republish an article about him and his Multiple Intelligences as compiled by the most gracious author Linda Lazaro of Calamba, Laguna. Rizal thrived in Europe, where he acquired many skills and made many European friends. He was creative, productive, purpose-driven. His love for the Philippines is incomparable.

Another incomparable kababayan is Lolita Valderrama Savage who was given the Premio Europeo “Lorenzo il Magnifico” Award 2017 in Florence, Italy. It is mindblowing to think of someone receiving an art award from the art capital of the whole world. But Lolita is most deserving, cool and humble and we are so proud of her! Cheers!

Our kababayans in Bergen, Norway know that competing in sports and playing games together are very effective ways to make friends,to stay healthy and active. Euro-Pinoys should engage in more sports activities and organize friendly competitions.

The Philippine-Swiss relations has been flourishing for the last 60 years and celebrations are ongoing the whole year long.

Cheers to those fruitful years and more to come!

If the meaning of our lives is to work, we might as well do what we are passionate about, di ba? Meet Mae Cayir from Vienna and Maria “Aya” Askert from Stockholm who seem to have found the ultimate meaning of their lives in their chosen careers. Let us be inspired by their stories and let us continue working towards reaching our dreams and ambitions.

“Kung sama-sama, Kayang, Kaya” is the theme of this year’s ENFiD European Conference this coming 30th September to 1st October to be held in Essen, Germany. We have the details of the conference in the inside pages and we encourage you to register the sooner the better.

We love to hear from you dear readers. You are welcome to share with us your story, EuroPinoy events, career choices, glocal projects, whatever it is that inspires.

Salamat at Mabuhay!

Rachel Hansen Founder/Editor

the team RACHEL HANSEN Editor & Founder LUZ BERGERSEN Bureau Editor, Oslo, Norway

contents

MARTHY ANGUE Associate Editor, Philippines

FEATURED ARTIST Celia P. Tan, pg.4

DONNA MANIO Lifestyle Editor, Philippines

HISTORY Rizal’s Intelligences, pg.10

LIZA DE VERA-PREICZER Bureau Editor, Vienna, Austria

LIFESTYLE Maria ‘Aya’ Askert, pg. 20 Mae Cayir, pg. 22

LYNDY BAGARES Web Editor, Fornebu, Norway ARIANNE FAYE CALVERO Web Support MaFLOR SVANDIS Bureau Editor, Iceland ELIZABETH “BETSY”VON ATZIGEN Bureau Editor, Switzerland MILES VIERNES Bureau Editor, Oslo, Norway MCKLEIN ONOYA Web Master, Oslo, Norway

HEALTH Fat Loss, pg. 24 POETRY When a mirror begins to brek, pg. 26 NEWS Lolita Valderama Savage, pg. 30 Hawak Kamay Bergen, ph. 32 60 years of Philippine/Switzerland Relations, pg. 34 ENFid Legal Counsel, pg. 38 COMMUNITY Program Schedule: ENFiD in Essen, pg. 39

Roots & Wings is published

by Rachel Publishing Co from its head office in Stockholm, Sweden.

Email: rachel.hansen@ugatpakpak.com ©2009-2015 | rawmags.com Roots&Wings Filipino Magazine in Europe

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Our heartfelt congratulations

and overwhelming admiration goes to our kababayan Celia Flor P. Tan from Mayhaanon of Odiongan, a small town in Romblon, for another successful summer vernissage in the Old Town of Stockholm last June 2017. Celia says “It is a great honor for me to be featured in Roots&Wings. May my words and my artworks enrich you. Never give up even in a stormy sea.� as interviewed by Rachel Hansen

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Please tell us - how did you become an artist?

How I became an artist is hard to grasp even up to this day. We are all artists in a way. Perhaps it is better to ask - when did I start painting? I will have to answer bluntly and frankly. A bad beginning can have a good ending. I was in seclusion in a psychiatric hospital for some quaint medical reasons. I found myself in the hobby room while trying to clear my mind fighting the ‘demons’ so I started painting, coloring, drawing, whatever. But I had to stop when the nurse told me “enough” because it was already very late and they want me to get some sleep. Yes, we all have different ways to express our moods. Mine is to find myself and remove the monotony of the day. There is a voice telling me to explore a new territory, to move in a new direction but not so easy because feelings of insecurity, low self-esteem and very poor self-confidence stand on the way. It 6

is a long struggle. But I have to carry on. A negative mind became positive through Art. Therefore I can say that Art is therapeutic.

You are now considered a professional artist with regular exhibitions in Stockholm. What did you do before this?

I am a Nurse by profession and worked in a prestigious international company in the Philippines. Then I went to work in Libya after a classmate-friend persuaded me. In Libya I met Love and it brought me all the way to Sweden. Have you read ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ by Elisabeth Gilbert? It is about me, ha ha..

What motivates you to paint the way you do?

It is both a decision and a choice. Art is a prolongation of my existence. It is through Art I can breath. It keeps me on a productive and positive track. And I do not

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Did I really paint this? – I would often wonder.

Let my heart and soul speak now rather than only my mind and my ability. need a license to practice art. I paint not to impress but to get impressed with my own achievement. I do not aim to be a Van Gogh or a Monet. I just want to be myself.

My art makes my heart sing, it makes me dance. It connects me to my higher self. I lose track of time that I sometimes forget to eat. Creating from my intuition can be scary but energizing. I am an artist with determination, perseverance, always yearning to take another direction, another dimension - away from realism. Did I really paint this? – I would often wonder. Let my heart and soul speak now rather than only my mind and my ability.

Do you need to be inspired or be in the certain mood to create?

Not really. To create art is a “must” for me. I have to paint. To commune with my Higher Power to direct my day. I think I

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create beautifully when I am suffering, when my heart is in anguish, when I cannot sleep. When I am inspired and in the better mood. I spend these precious moments with my children and grandchildren because these moods come and go.

Do you have any favorite artist?

I am a big fan of Jackson Pollock because we seem to have striking similarities. He is an Abstractionist and a Visionary which I am too. May I just share this quote by John Hospers, from An Introduction to Philosophical Analysis with R&W readers?

“What images we can have, one might say, depends who is doing the imagining.”

Thanks so much Celia for a most rewarding conversation and for sharing your artworks with your kababayans. We wish you all the very best.

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Researched & Compiled by Mrs. Linda D. Lazaro, Owner-Directress-Child Garden School, Calamba City, Former Chairman- Calamba Cultural Board, Former Member-Researcher- Rizal Day Executive Committee

Thirty-two years ago, the Harvard School of Education sponsored a research on the Nature and realization of Human Potential.

It is an established fact that an individual possesses varied and different talents, some in greater degree, some in less, and some, none at all.

Howard Gardner is the author of several books, some of which are: The Quest of Mind; The Shattered Mind; Art, Mind and Brain;

Frames of Mind; Multiple Intelligence; and The Mind’s New Science.

He is trained in Developmental Psychology and is a member of the research group known as “Harvard Project Zero”. He devoted more than 20 years in the research involving the educational importance of the theory of Multiple Intelligences. These intelligences are: linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal.

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All these intelligences are independent of each other but they work in combination with other intelligences. For example, according to Gardner, a dancer requires skill in bodilykinesthetic, musical, interpersonal and spatial intelligence in different degrees. So, an individual is a collection of aptitudes and not all can be tested in pencil and paper tests but the right combination and degree of these intelligences can make one very successful in his chosen field.

It would be interesting, as well as enlightening, not to mention inspiring, to make an “assessment” of Dr Rizal’s Multiple Intelligences. This would, of course,

be an amateur assessment based on the background provided for by Mr. Howard Gardner in his book, ““Multiple Intelligences”.

This study on the intelligences of Dr. Rizal will clearly show us how he used his head, his heart and his arms for his country- the Philippines. It will just show in outline form some proofs that Rizal had these intelligences based on the book “Lolo Jose” written by Asuncion Antonio Bantug, granddaughter of Narcisa Rizal’s sister. This is therefore, just a partial result. A thorough study and research will probably show more startling revelations.

LINGUISTIC INTELLIGENCE • learned the alphabet at age 3 • learned the latin language at age 7 • at age 8, wrote sa “ Sa Aking Mga Kababata” where the famous lines “ Ang hindi magmahal sa sariling wika, daig pa ang malansang isda…”

• at age 9, could quote chapters and verses from the Bible • at age 13, won gold medals for rhetorics and his ability to speak the Greek language; also wrote a five-act drama in Spanish verse about St. Estace, the Martyr • at age 14, leader of the “Literary Academy” acted as director and actor who can talk in many voices, complete with accents of different countries; wrote a long poem “The Intimate Alliance Between Religion and Educartion” Eight year-old Rizal’s purported admonition to his fellow children, published in 1906 by Hermenigildo Cruz.

ROOTS AND WINGS SPRING 2017 | HISTORY • at age 15, proficient in writing poetry and already a well-known philosopher; wrote the loveliest religious poem “Junto al Pasig”, a zarzuela; in just more than an hour, wrote “Felicitation” in Spanish, a seven – stanza four-line gift to his brotherin-law Antonio Lopez, husband of Narcisa; also wrote “ A Dialogue Embodying His Farewell to the Students” which was read during his graduation from Ateneo • at age 18, wrote “A La Juventud Filipina” ( Ode to the Filipino Youth) which won the first prize of silver pen; wrote “El Consejo delos Dioses”, a play witten in honor of Cervantes that won a prize ( a ring engraved with the bust of Cervantes) • at age 21, wrote an article “El Amor Patrio” ( Love of Country) where he urged his countrymen to unite, his first propaganda effort on foreign soil.

• at age 25, he wrote his famous novel “Noli Me Tangere” followed by a lovely poem about his homesickness “a Las Flores De Heidelberg”; translated the German folktale “Thumbelina” into Tagalog entitled “Gahinlalaki” • at age 26, he translated into French the History of Mother written in German.

• at age 28 he wrote the following: –– –– –– –– –– ––

El Solfeo dela Defensa Los Agricultores Filipino En el Bosque Me Piden Versos Los Viajes La Defensa his famous “ Message for the Women of Malolos”

• in his early 30’s, wrote the following articles for the “La Solidaridad” under

An English Edition of the Revolutionary Classic “Noli Me Tangere. the pen name “Laong Laan” and “ Dimasalang”, all attacking Colonialism.

– – La Verdad Para Todos – – Por telefono – – Sin Nombre – – Una Esperanza – – La Opinion en Filipinas – – Filipinas Dentro De Clien Aňos – – Sobre La Indolencia – – El Amor Patrio – – Como Se Gobiernos Los Filipinos – – A Mi – – Legend of Maria Makiling • during this age, he wrote his second novel “El Filibusterismo” • while in Dapitan, wrote “Mi Retiro”- about his banishment in the area.

• while in fort Santiago, wrote “ Testamento Politico”, a letter to his countrymen • day before execution, wrote his last poem “ Mi Ultimo Adios” ( My Last Farewell ) and gave it to Narcisa • fluent in the following languages- Russian, Spanish, Arabic, German, Portuguese, Swedish, Latin, Greek, French, Dutch, Italian, Hebrew, Catalan, Sanskrit, Japanese, Chinese, English, Tagalog,and other Philippine dialects.

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Dr. Rizal ‘s business card as an opthalmologist in Hong Kong.

LOGICAL-MATHEMATICAL INTELLIGENCE • as a child, he made use of the following results of his experiment to produce the colors he needed: – – pepper- green – – root of the pot- black – – achuete- maroon – – duhat- aubergine – – rhizomes- yellow • at age 11, he mastered the card game “Pangginge” winning most of the time • at age13, taking up advanced Mathematics, received gold medal on the subject • at age 15, proficient in Physics and Chemistry, received Merit Card for Natural History in Ateneo • at age 24, received a Degree in Philosophy and Letters; after his graduation as a doctor, became a very successful ophthalmologist and general practioner and a much sought after surgeon 14

• while in Dapitan, conducted countless scientific projects with Fr. Sanchez, his Ateneo professor; invented wooden machine that could turn out 6,000 pieces of bricks a day; *devised teaching aids, made writing tools and maps; used natural specimens during lessons in teaching geography, science, botany and zoology, reading and mathematics.

SPATIAL INTELLIGENCE

(Ability to form a mental model and operate using the model) • as a child, invented his own toys made of scrap paper, cloth remnants, old pieces of wool to create objects • at age 24, invented Tagalog lighter called “ sulpakan” • while in Dapitan– – built the waterwork system of the gravity type – – built a public fountain of cemented bricks with water flowing out of the

ROOTS AND WINGS SPRING 2017 | HISTORY –– –– –– ––

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lion’s head ( made of clay) set up commercial firm to promote business enterprises among Dapitanos taught the fishermen how to weave a better variety of net started hammock weaving industry among the poor people .constructed the lighting and water system and made the drainage project for the sanitation purposes made a giant relief map of the Philippines at the town plaza, covered 20 square yards that took about two months to complete the map is still maintained by the government as a memorial to Rizal) started a 16-hectare farm of fruit trees, breed rabbits, dogs and cats built a hospital and school buildings, planned and drafted the façade of the building. he designed the altar of the Holy Rosary Cathedral in Dipolog City

BODILY-KINESTHETIC INTELLIGENCE (Athletic and Creative Abilities)

• leader of various athletic societies • proficient in fencing, target shooting, boxing, cricket, wrestling, weight lifting and horseback riding • climbed some parts of Mt. Makiling with his brother Paciano and his bodyguard, Lt. Jose Taviel de Andrade • opened a gymnasium in Calamba to stop the young men from gambling “The Triumph of Science over Death,” a sculpture by Dr. Rizal adopted as the emblem of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine.

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• took up extra courses in painting and sculpture which was known then as “ Classes de Adorno” • as a child made countless sculptures of different animals; made drawings of different sceneries such as ducks in the ponds, flying birds, etc.

• at age 14, made a sketch of his first love, Segunda Katigbak; and at age 26, made his self-portrait • made the following carvings: – – a. wooden biscuit mold with a lion’s head – – b. wooden tray with floral motif at the center – – c. bone chess pieces and wooden spinning tops – – d. Prometheus Bound – – e. wild boar – – f. a sleeping girl Rizal’s “the Monkey and the Turtle” is widely regarded as the Philippines’ first comic strip.

• made a pen and ink sketch of “ Christ in Gethsemane” and • crayon drawing of “ La Virgen Purisima” • some of his sculptures are: –– –– –– –– –– –– –– –– ––

a. statue of the Sacred Heart b. images of saints c. likeness of his professors d. figures of wild boar, dog, crocodile e. figure of woman cutting grass f. unfinished bust of his father g. Augustus Caesar h. a beggar i. girl with “ bilao”

• painted the portrait of his friend, Ferdinand Blumentritt • made sketches of the following: –– –– –– –– ––

Skyline of Manila Port of Aden, Yemen Cartoons of the Ullmer children Shoreline of Dapitan insects, fish, flora and fauma

INTERPERSONAL INTELLIGENCE

(Athletic and Creative Abilities) • at age 14 leader of the Ateneo group known as “the Musketeers” (also known as “School Boy Hero of Ateneo”) • “Consul Napoleon” of the school society “Los Compaňeros de Jehu” • “Congregacion de Maria” association of boys with great virtue and intelligence)

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ROOTS AND WINGS SPRING 2017 | COMMUNITY • leader of the “ Literary Academy” • elected Honorary Chairman of “ La Solidaridad” ( Propaganda Movement Journal) • formed a club “ Los Indios Bravos” ( to show courage and bravery of the Filipinos) • leader of different athletic societies • in Heidelberg, formed a very close friendship with Protestant Pastor Ullmer and a Catholic priest, Fr. Heinrich Bardorf and their endless discussions made them believe that “ religion should bring about understanding not emnity among men” • the Vicar of Wilhelmsfeld, Pastor Karl Ullmer said, “ It was Rizal whose memory and affection lingered longest”.

• Invited to speak before a German audience by the German Tourist Club, his German was greatly applauded by the people which was very rare among very cold Germans • Ferdinand Blumentritt considered Rizal as a son and said to him “ If you continue like this, you will become for your country one of those great men who exercise a definite influence on the development of a nation’s spirit.”

• had “ charisma”, people are drawn to him; had a knack for making friends quickly and easily • his personal friends include leading European scientists like Meyer, Heller, Kiel, Knuttel and Joest; sent them rare specimens and to honor him, these scientists dedicated the following: – – Dr. Boettger, a great zoologist named a new variety of frogs- Rhacophorus Rizali – – Dr. Karl Heller, German scientist

named a new species of beetleApogonia Rizali – – Dr. E. Wandelock named a new breed of dragonfly- Draconi Rizali

• 1886- He was a member of the Chess Club of Germany • 1887- He was a member of: – – Ethnographic Society of Berlin – – Anthropological Society of Berlin • 1888- he was elected Director of the Newspaper put up by the Filipino Community in Madrid • In early 1985, Josephine Braken or Josephine Leopoldone Taufer arrived in Dapitan with her foster father George Taufer who consulted Rizal about his eyes; in May of the same year, his sister Maria came to Dapitan with Josephine; Josephine stayed with Rizal even without marriage and gave birth to a premature baby boy, Peter 17

INTERPERSONAL INTELLIGENCE

(Ability to understand oneself, to have strong perception, to have an intuition) • at the age of 5 or 6, told her sister, “Someday, when I die people will make statues of me” • interpreted his mother’s dream as a sign that he will be out of prison in three months • reprimanded by his sisters for eating too much and told them, “ What matter if I eat much now when I shall live only a short while?”

• in his “Filipinas Dentro De Cien Aňos, predicted that the United States will become interested in the Philippines • in his “Testamento Politico” ( Letter to his Countrymen) he said, “ I know that my country’s future depends in some ways upon me.”

• when his mother told him the story of the “Foolish Moth”, her aim was to make him learn the importance of being obedient; but for Jose, the message was different; for him, the moth died a martyr for its dream; believes that“light is worthy enough for a man to sacrifice his life for it” • as a young boy, he was remembered by the townmates as being “too old for his age, mature and serious, intense and sensitive, quiet but keen and observant • his compassion was so great that as a young boy so small and frail, he climbed a tower to unloosen the kite of a friend because he could not bear to see the

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owner crying; same compassion for the growing blindness of his mother was one reason he chose a career in medicine on October 1889, wrote Prof. Blumentritt, “I want to give my countrymen an example that I do not write for myself nor for my glory- but for my country.”

Wrote Graciano Lopez Jaena, “If one has to die, let him die at least in his country, for the cause of his country and for the welfare of his people.” at the age of 13, he promised to himself, “I will work, I will labor, I will exert myself to excel in all I undertake and I will do my best for my contrymen.” as a young student, he instinctively knew that “Education will bring Freedom” to the Philippines in his letter to his family, written the first time he went abroad, he said, “ I have a mission to fulfill, like alleviating the sufferings of my fellowmen. I know that all this requires sacrifices- terrible ones! But I feel something that impels me to leave.

May God’s grace be done!” the idea of writing the “Noli” persisted in Rizal’s mind after reading several insulting books on his country and countrymen; he told the Filipino colony, “ Let us prove to the whole world that whenever the Filipino wants to, he can.” He told them to study and work for the country; that there is so much to do…. And so little time. in his second novel “ El Filibusterismo”, Rizal was telling his people that unless they tell themselves to learn how to solve their social and political problems they would end up languishing in despair and the solution is education

• about his court martial, he said, “ Let God’s will be done! I am all the time more and more calm about my destiny.’

INTERPERSONAL INTELLIGENCE

(Ability to understand oneself, to have strong perception, to have an intuition) • at age 11, took up “Solfeggio” ( music lessons ) • knew how to play the flute and was part of a music performing group • wrote “Hymn to Talisay”- a song about the activities of his school in Dapitan • at age 13, composed several ballads to Columbus, Magellan and De Cano, the navigator Based on this initial assessment, we can at least make our own conclusion about the combination of Rizal’s intelligences that made him what he is now.

“Dr. Jose Rizal was a genius. He was an architect, artist, businessman, cartoonist, educator, economist, ethnologist, scientific farmer, historian, inventor, journalist, linguist, musician, mythologist, nationalist, naturalist, novelist, physician, ophthalmic surgeon, painter, poet, propagandist, psychologist, scientist, sculptor, sociologist, theologian, excellent swordsman and shooter, a musician, a sportsman”.- ( Jose Rizal- Teofilo Montemayor- NHI)

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ROOTS AND WINGS SPRING 2017 | LIFESTYLE

My love for nature made me changed my lifestyle words and pictures by Maria ‘Aya’ Askert

The idea of my lifestyle make-over came when I and my husband were in the forest, discussing our future plans while picking chanterelles one autumn day.

“Think if we can be with nature, not only on weekends, but any day of the week that we choose? Think of spending more time together with our kids and with our dogs?”

These thoughts played in our heads for a few months. It was until the arrival of our bitch’s first litter when I decided to leave my job as a preschool teacher and take care of our canines. Nine dogs (two are puppies) require a lot of work. There’s feeding, grooming, daily walks, vet visits, obedience training, show training, and scent tracking to mark down in my calendar. Not to mention that each dog demands a morning hug-and-evening hug rituals. My hands are full.

My responsibility with our dogs doesn’t end on Fridays, unlike at my previous job. I have to be available for them round the clock.

I have more workload now than before.

However, I have found freedom to do things that I am passionate about. Since my working hours are flexible now, I can meet friends for a cup of coffee, have lunch with my husband, or focus on my artworks in the middle of the week. Spontaneity is not out of reach anymore.

Being with dogs connects me to nature. All of our canines are working dogs, born and bred to be in the forest. It is their favourite place and it happens to be mine too.

Nature binds us together and it has given me fulfillment.

Please visit our website at www. tjurbackenskennel.se

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CAREER CORNER: SOCIAL REMITTANCES OF LIFELONG LEARNING, PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND MENTORING

MAE CAYIR As I walk this path towards my retirement in six years, after completing 24 years of long-term employment with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, I am preparing myself to serve the Youth, as well as our Kababayans of all ages, through social remittances of lifelong learning, personal development and mentoring. Where else do I place all the institutional learning and knowledge that this work and life experience has presented me with? Since my own two children have spread their wings a few years back and bequeathed their nests to me and my husband, father of my two children, I have been exploring and cultivating ways in which I can carve this path on which I believe I am to tread.

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The bit of success I have to date has been mentoring interns of different nationalities who have joined the section where I am currently assigned, HIV/AIDS. I am not an expert on this thematic area of the United Nations mandate, as I am on the administrative side of this area of work.

Nevertheless, through what I have learned in my work experience, the bird’s eye view I have gained, and the parenting skills I have mastered, I am able to meet the career planning and development needs of youth I have encountered. I also have had the fortune of having been introduced to a group of University of the Philippines, Los Baùos, who are interested in learning about the work of the United Nations. Through these encounters and opportunities to serve the Youth, I have committed myself to continue on this mission of service.

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words and pictures by Edward Bergersen

The process of fat loss can be analogous to the process of draining a swimming pool of water. No matter which diet or style of eating you follow, in order to burn fat you must consume fewer calories than you use. This is based on the law of thermodynamics which, unfortunately, no one has figured out how to break. As you reduce calories your body mobilizes fat (and potentially other tissues) for energy. Let’s return to the swimming pool analogy; if fat were water, the swimming pool would be slowly emptied. However, almost all swimming pools have a deep and shallow end and as you approached the bottom you would begin to see the shallow end a lot sooner than the deep end. In order to completely empty the deep end, you would have to completely drain the pool. Regarding fat loss, the deep end represents your stubborn body fat. In order to burn this, you need to drastically reduce your OVERALL body fat. Sounds simple right? Just keep eating less and less? Well.. In reality there are things that complicate this process. Here are a few of the most common complications (from baye.com): 24

1. Stubborn bodyfat is often a different “kind� of fat This type of fat often has less blood flow, is more sensitive to insulin, and has more of the receptors for hormones causing fat to be stored and less of the receptors causing fat to be released. Because of this, your body tends to draw on fat stores in other areas first, 2. Rate of fat loss is inversely proportional to how much you have This simply means that the less fat you have, the harder it is to lose. This is because your body can only take a certain PERCENTAGE of its energy from fat each day. If you are familiar with the Law of Diminishing Returns from economics, you will find that it applies quite poignantly to fat loss also.

3. As you get leaner, the contrast may appear greater This is an observation I made chatting with clients and through my own experience. As you start to lose body fat, these stubborn

ROOTS AND WINGS SPRING 2017 | HEALTH

areas can APPEAR more visible, even though during measurements total body fat is lower.

Understandably, this can be frustrating as despite all your hard work, it may actually feel like you are fatter when the opposite is true.

FAT-LOSS MYTHS

I hope you now have a greater understanding of the intricacies of fat loss and particularly of stubborn fat loss. It all sounds pretty easy in theory, but the difficulty is in applying the knowledge. Unfortunately, there are a lot of misconceptions about how to burn fat. Before I go into them, I would like to predicate this with saying that there is no “BEST” way. The optimal methods are individual and each person requires a different solution. That being said, there definitely poor strategies out there for fat loss, largely based on misinterpretations and myths. Here are the most common myths debunked: 1. To lose belly fat, I need to do abdominal exercises This is such a common misconception that I need you to repeat after me several times“I cannot spot-reduce fat”. Fat loss is global, meaning that when you cut calories, you body loses fat all over, and finally in these stubborn areas previously mentioned. This is a proven

fact and is not even up for debate any more.

While there are a few rare studies that show it is possible to burn SOME fat by exercising the underlying musculature, the effect is so small as to not be worth your time.

2. To lose fat I need to do lots of “cardio” This is another area where people are wildly misguided. Doing some sort of repetitive, rhythmic “cardio” (spinning, running, etc) seems to be the default mode of exercise for time-starved, frustrated men and women looking for a quick way to get “tired”. The problem is, getting “tired” and actually creating a favorable aesthetic adaptation in the body are two completely different things.

The rationale for “cardio” is that people want to “burn off” the fat. While well meaning and technically correct, the amount of fat burned is so low as to be meaningless compared to the time invested during the activity. But Eddie you say, “the treadmill told me I burned 300 calories in that one hour I did on the elliptical machine!” Ok, well, before you pat yourself on the back, let’s REALLY find out what’s happening here. First, why do you think the treadmill asked you to program in your weight? Because it has to calculate how many calories you are burning, but it also calculates

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your BMR (basal metabolic rate), which is the amount of calories you burn to maintain basic bodily functions. Lets say, for instance, that you burn 60 calories an hour as your BMR (an average which depends on weight, height, etc). Given this, during your one hour “cardio” session you would have actually burned 240 calories, which is the equivalent of drinking a Grande Starbucks Frappucino, which can be consumed in 5 minutes. 240 calories is still something, but that one hour of cardio will inevitably make you much hungrier, and therefore much more likely to over-eat. The fat-loss benefit from such an activity is an incredibly poor investment of time.

If this wasn’t enough of a deterrent to using “cardio” for fat loss, you also have to consider that some forms of cardio, like running, can lead to the accumulation of wear and tear on the joints and non-contractile structures of the body (like tendons and spinal discs). Why do you think Runner’s knee exists? Chronically performing cardio without strength training also leads to wasting of muscle tissue, which leads to a reduction of muscle, which leads to a reduced BMR (meaning a lower expenditure of calories on a daily basis). I personally use this type of cardio occasionally but for the opposite reason; to increase my hunger so I can eat more in order to GAIN weight

when I’m trying to put on muscle. There are however, some uses for this type of activity, but are beyond the scope of this article.

3. You need to constantly vary the exercises to “confuse the muscles” to burn more fat: Whoever said this has no idea how muscle physiology works and THEY are the one who is confused. We have already established that activity is not the way to lose fat, diet is. The idea behind constantly changing the exercises is to “keep the body guessing” so it somehow has to work harder and thus receive a larger adaptation effect.

The fact is, muscles are stupid. Muscles do what the brain tells them to do. All muscles can do is contract (either shorten or extend during concentric/ eccentric muscle contractions). To improve the strength and/or size of a muscle it is necessary to work it; to expose it to a load. When this happens the muscle becomes temporarily weakened and the body reacts by strengthening it. The reason muscle confusion does not work is that for a muscle to structurally change (i.e. become bigger or stronger) you need to continually expose it to the same stress. In the first 3 months of training the muscle itself does not change.

The improvements in strength are due to the nervous system becoming more efficient at

If you keep it simple, train smart, and eat sensibly, you will see progress.

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recruiting motor units (muscle force output).

After and ONLY AFTER the neurological improvements have been optimized does the body decide to change the muscle by either increasing its size, density, or both. Muscles are too stupid to be confused, so don’t try to.

Note: There will be a few smart-asses out there who will cite research stating that training a muscle in slightly different angles leads to development of different portions of the muscle fibers depending on muscle-fiber orientation. This is true to some degree, but it is only applicable to professional bodybuilders looking to “peak the bicep” or “shape the outer calf” and even these guys do not vary the exercises too much, they simply include more to target different areas. The same linear rules of adaptation apply, and for the average joe looking to cut fat, this level of precision is not only unnecessary, but impractical.

Now that you have an intellectual understanding of the fat loss process. I humbly offer a simple formula for you to follow in order to shave those slabs of fat off: 1. Measure your bodyfat percent and weight at the start of this process and every 2-3 weeks.

This will allow you to make adjustments as needed and motivate you.

2. Slowly reduce calories by eating less. Focus on eating good quality, nutrient dense foods that increase satiety, with sufficient protein to maintain muscle. Avoid heavily processed foods and especially alcohol and refined carbohydrates.

3. Train 2-3 times per week and focus on high intensity resistance training with progressive loading. The purpose here is to maintain lean muscle mass as you reduce calories to burn fat. Traditional “cardio” can be helpful but for most people is unnecessary and only gets in the way of the process.

4. As you lose fat, you may have to actually increase your calories the leaner you get.

See point #2 in the stubborn fat loss section above.

5. Continually measure and track progress.

Adjust as necessary until you hit your aesthetic goals.

CONCLUSION

If you understand the theories above and the process, you will begin to see how simple it really is. The fitness industry profits by trying to complicate things for you, when in reality it is the simplification of the process that leads to results. The real difficulty is not in the theory behind fat loss, it is in the application of it. If we streamline and refine our principles, the application becomes easier and fool-proof. If you keep it simple, train smart, and eat sensibly, you will see progress. Logic and sense almost inevitably leads to positive outcomes.

For more fitness tips, visit https://coacheddie.co

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when a mirror begins to break Up Close and Personal | Liza De Vera-Preiczer A mirror is not just an ornament we use to check our own image Because it symbolizes a lot of things to us...

Sometimes it reflects our inner emotions...

Sometimes it conveys how life genuinely is...

Sometimes it even reveals the bitter truth...

Even a relationship is like a mirror, because it is fragile...

And needs special care and attention for it to last a lifetime...

Whether it is between a man and a woman, or those between same sexes or genders...

Whether it is a business relationship or those between parents and their children...

Or between siblings and lastly, even relationships between and among friends...

We all need to take care of every mirror in our possession, polish it, keep it shining...

Keep it clean and away from cobwebs and from dusts... Handle it gently, lovingly... ‘Cos once it is broken, we can never mend it back together again the way it used to be...

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That is why I have always taken cared of all my mirrors; whether old or new...

Some are small, some are big... In all forms and shapes, in various colours...

There are those that are quite special to me, and I cherish them dearly almost everyday...

And I would give my all, everything in my power to keep them safe and sound...

But there comes a time when a mirror begins to fall apart...

When it turns undeniably pale, when it becomes distinctively blurry...

And when I looked through it, this dear mirror reflected an image apart from mine...

A gloomy faceless vision lurking in the dark behind me...

As if wanting to devour my very being... As if wanting to do me harm...

It has turned to be dreadful and scary, exposing ugly images that were never there before...

It now reveals an optical facade that is hauntingly strange and utterly wicked...

And so I said to myself that the time has finally arrived to put it to rest...

This once great and shiny mirror has turned sullen and lost its clarity...

And though it hurts to put away what was once priceless and dear to me...

I must bid you farewell and part ways despite our countless years...

Yes, it is indeed time to lay this mirror to rest before it disintegrates any further...

Before it begins to shatter from alone...

Before the broken pieces begin to cut through my bones...

It is so often that Art imitates Life....

But a Mirror gives us a complete impression of what surrounds our Life...

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NEWS

Lolita Valderrama Savage

International Fine Artist | Recipient of the most magnificent and prestigious Premio Lorenzo Il Magnifico Award 2017 words by Rachel Hansen | pictures from Lolita Valderama Savage

At the Great Hall of 500 in Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza della Signoria, Florence last June 10 th at 9.30 am, our very own kababayan, Lolita Valderrama Savage, was one of the recipients of this most magnificent and prestigious Award. This Award ceremony is part of the celebration of the Florence Biennale which will take place on October 6-15, 2017.

The awards program was started in 1976 by the Accademia Internazionale Medicea to give recognition to persons or institutions for their distinct merits in their contributions to arts and culture. This recognition evokes the story of Florence in its era of maximum splendor in the arts during the Renaissance in the time of Lorenzo de’Medici, referred to as “the Magnificent” (1449-1492), a humanist and great patron of the arts. The accademia wishes to see Florence continue to flourish, by being “reborn” (it. rinascere) as in those

times through arts and culture. The image of Lorenzo de’Medici appears in the medal of the award that bears his name.

WHO WAS LORENZO DE’MEDICI, the MAGNIFICENT? He was the Lord of Florence, Patron of the Arts of the Renaissance, he was one of the most active promoters of the magnificence of the Italian Renaissance.

Lorenzo was a writer and a humanist, he surrounded himself with artists and men of culture of his time and promoted the artistic development of the city that he governed, Florence. Thanks to him, the first European Academy of Art was founded, where many artists studied, among which was the very young Michelangelo.

Lolita will be among the 10 international recipients of Lorenzo de’Medici’s medal for 2017.

Basketball players 2017 from Oslo, Stavanger, Asker and Bergen/Hordaland

NEWS

Hawak Kamay BergenSports Event

Beacon of Sportsmanship and Diversity words by Myra Celeste Pasion Isaksen The people energy was so alive at NyKrohnborghallen in Bergen, Norway last May 6th and 7th, 27th and 28th respectively.

The atmosphere was euphoric, as the crowd cheered for their teams, reminiscent of a PBA Championship at the Araneta Coliseum.

This year’s crowd have more than doubled as participants came all the way from Oslo, Stavanger, Øygården, Haugesund and Asker.

A big leap since it was launched last year 2016 at Amalie Skram gym hall. A crowd of at least 300 comprised of players joined by their families and friends gathered at Ny- Krohnborgshallen to support the event and enjoy the perks of a weekend get-away exploring the charm of Bergen City.

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UNITY AND INTEGRATION By encouraging other nationalities to join the said event, HKB communicates its appreciation towards diversity. Amidst deafening screams from the cheering crowd.

Filipinos together with Africans, Swedes, Norwegians and Asian players gave the crowd ultimate heart pounding games as they displayed their competitiveness during basketball, volleyball and badminton competitions. On the court, sportsmanship transcends their differences.

Completing the total package of the sports event, our non-Filipino friends enjoyed the entertainment and simple delicacies that HKB organizers and sponsors prepared for everyone.

CHANGING LIVES Those who came half-hearted can be touched by the atmosphere of camaraderie, and Alroe is one of them. From someone who struggles with serious social anxiety, entering the hall with hundreds of strangers terrified him. He strongly described the experience as «… being repeatedly stabbed on the chest.» But

ROOTS AND WINGS SPRING 2017 | NEWS those strangers who greeted him with smiles on their faces and sincerely encouraged him to stay were simply hard to ignore. Totally inspired by the positivity of every person in the room, Alroe faced his fear and joined the Blue team of Bergen . When asked by his therapist on his thoughts about the experience, he proudly said �with all those people around me, hugging me before and after playing was a big assurance that I am on a safe place that people who came are not just there to aim for championship but the reward of friendship that I have lost for a while. Hugs are therapeutic�

As the event comes to an end, everybody left with a lightheart, knowing that there will be more friends to be added on social media, more HKB activities to look forward to, and a remembrance from the crowd, those of unique filipino smiles, humor and laughter.

THE FUTURE OF HKB SPORTS EVENTS Discipline and attention to the minutest details, defines the HKB events organizer´s professionalism. Given their limited resources, Vincent Marimba, Manager of Ny- Krohnborghallen, is so impressed at the execution of logistics considering the scale that entails organizing such a big event.

According to HKB board member Sonnie Jay Valderrama, the success can be attributed to the passion and sincere engagement of all the volunteers, sponsors and board members.

Considering themselves as their own worst critics, keeps them on their toes, raising the bar higher in terms of achieving their goals in uniting the community to be a part in changing lives by supporting their projects.

Champions will definitely defend their titles next year and equally excited are those neighboring teams without a doubt, are more than eager to come back to Bergen and compete with a vengeance. Hundreds are now waiting in anticipation. HKB will now have more balls to juggle in the air, but sports enthusiasts have nothing to worry about. HKB will deliver as it always does, successfully.

For more information on HKB projects and upcoming events, please visit www.hawakkamay.org or visit our facebook page.

Winners Volleyball game: 1st Red Team (Stavanger); 2nd place White team (Stavanger); 3rd place Blue team (Bergen); 4th Place yellow team (Bergen)

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Filipino-Swiss CĂŠcile Montemayor Muller & Troupe ElevĂŠe (courtesy of Phil Embassy)

NEWS

The Philippines and Switzerland celebrate 60th Diplomatic Relations (1957-2017) words by Betsy von Atzigen

Jefferson Panes and the Timuay System of Filipino Martial Arts

The Sinulog Dance Group

THE PHILIPPINES AT THE HEART OF SWITZERLAND Waisenhausplatz Bern, 17 June 2017 A festive, colourful, memorable celebration marked the 60th anniversary of the Philippines-Switzerland Diplomatic Relations at the heart of the Swiss capital Bern.

Approximately 10,000 Filipinos, Swiss, diplomatic representatives and visitors from neighbouring Liechtenstein, Austria and Germany graced the historic event.

The Philippine Embassy in Bern, in partnership with various Filipino communities across Switzerland organized an extraordinary, first of its kind Philippine cultural celebration. The festivity opened around 8am with a ribbon cutting ceremony

by Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland, his Excellency Joselito A. Jimeno. The morning

till late event featured all-time popular AtiAtihan, Sinulog, cultural performances, and Filipino-Swiss youth groups which showcased their special talents in the evening concert. A total of 26 booths charmingly decorated and served by Filipiniana-dressed representatives at the Waisenhausplatz did their job of promoting Philippine cuisine, seasonal home grown fruits, Pinoy pasalubong and souvenir items, handicrafts and ethnic jewelry.

Ambassador Jimeno graciously greeted everyone on the grounds, in the booths, on stage, after street performances, in food stalls and tirelessly posed for never-ending photo ops. Heartiest congratulations to the Philippine Embassy for this remarkable affair!

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HIGHLIGHTS OF PHILIPPINE-SWISS EVENTS IN 2017 (According to Embassy news) Bern Diplomatic Reception, 16 June 2017 A day prior to the Philippine Fiesta in Bern, an exquisite diplomatic reception was held at the Rathaus Berne to mark the 60th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Switzerland.

The reception coincided with the celebration of the 119th anniversary of Philippine Independence.

Clockwise from top left: Philippine Ambassador Joselito Jimeno and Guest of Honour Ambassador Livia Leu; Betsy von Atzigen with European diplomatic representatives; the Enfid-Swiss Team.

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Invited Guest of Honour, her Excellency Ambassador Livia Leu, Head of Bilateral Economic Relations of State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), greeted the diplomatic community and recognized the growing trade between the Philippines and Switzerland over the years. She expressed optimism that commercial exchanges between the two countries will be further boosted by the Free Trade Agreement

ROOTS AND WINGS SPRING 2017 | NEWS

between the Philippines and EFTA countries.

Schaffhausen, 19 June 2017 Special features of Philippine-Swiss Events in 2017 consisted of the Ambassador’s wreathlaying at Philippine national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal‘s 156th birth anniversary in Schaffhausen.

Wassen Uri, 21 June 2017 Ambassador Jimeno and City of Wassen Mayor Kristin Schnider hoisted the Philippine and Swiss flags on a mountain top in the City of Wassen in Canton Uri, site of the only Rizal Park in Switzerland. This was followed by a wreath-laying at the bust of Dr. Rizal.

In his speech, the Ambassador cited the special relationship that existed between Dr. Rizal and the 4 cities of Switzerland Bern, Geneva, Schaffhausen and Wassen.

He noted how impressed Dr. Rizal was with Swiss history, and how this inspired the national hero’s ideological thinking which led to the organization of La Liga Filipina and the Philippine revolution.

Interestingly, Ambassador Jimeno recalled the connection between Dr. Rizal and Switzerland’s legendary hero, William Tell. He particularly noted Swiss sculptor Richard Kissling who sculpted William Tell’s monument in the City of Wassen as the same sculptor responsible for Dr. Rizal’s monument in Manila.

WATCH OUT FOR A SERIES OF HISTORYMAKING EVENTS IN THIS YEAR-LONG CELEBRATION. 02 September 60th Diplomatic Anniversary Event, Basel 23 September 60th Diplomatic Anniversary Event, Zürich 6-7 October Bern Food Festival October Tessin Gala Charity and Food Festival 11 November 60th Diplomatic Anniversary Event, St Gallen 21 November Prof Randy David’s lecture in Franklin University 28 November Zürich Prof Randy David’s lecture on How Philippine Culture Evolved Grateful and proud to be part of the historic 60th year of fruitful PhilippineSwiss diplomatic relations. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas at Switzerland!

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NEWS

Novo-Mar Ramos appointed ENFiD Legal Advisor.

The European Network of Filipino Diaspora was proud to announce the appointment of NovoMar Roronda Ramos as the organization’s legal counsel on 8 July 2017. Mr. Ramos is the Deputy Chairperson of ENFiD-UK as well as its Press Relations and Communications Officer. He is selfemployed as a Philippine lawyer that provides legal advice and prepares legal documents for paying and non-paying clients for civil, criminal, political, administrative, electoral, commercial, labor, marital, immigration and local governance issues.

He is currently pursuing a Level 4 Diploma on Paralegal Studies at National Association of

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Licensed Paralegals in Canterbury Court, London.

Among others, it is Novo-Mar’s task to review contracts and other documents such as MOA’s, MOU’s, and TORs that ENFiD engages with to make sure that ENFiD is legally protected as well as to provide legallysound advice and legal arguments for and on behalf of ENFiD in the event that ENFiD comes into conflict with its members or officers, its project partners, sponsors/funding bodies or other stakeholders.

The organization invites its members to welcome Novo-Mar and to wish him an engaging and fulfilling work with ENFiD.

CONFERENCE THEME: Strengthening Euro-Pinoys as agents of socio-economic and cultural change in Europe and the Philippines and empowerment of the Euro-Pinoy youth as development leaders within the mainstream Filipino communities in home and host countries.

DAY 1 Saturday, 30 September Conference Moderator: Ms. Pia Abucay-Gonzales, ENFiD-Italy Welcome 9.00-10.00

Ms. Elizabeth von Atzigen, ENFiD Chairperson Her Excellency Ambassador Melita Sta. Maria- Thomeczek, Philippine Embassy-Berlin Ms. Emmalyn Liwag- Kotte, Country Representative ENFiD- Germany

Presentation of Special Guests by Ms. Elizabeth von Atzigen Panel discussion with the Special Guests on services to nationals (ATN) and services for integration and reintegration with the Special guests from various Philippine Foreign Posts in Europe

10.00-10.15

Coffee/Tea Break

10.15- 10.30

Opening Setting the Tone of the Conference, Ms. Rohlee de Guzman, ENFiD Executive Director

10.30-11.00

Keynote Speech Prof. Hein de Haas, University of Amsterdam On migrants within the international arena (with current political developments) to narrow down on Euro-Pinoy roles as agents of change 39

in the Philippines and in Europe including the roles of young people with mixed ethnicity such as the Euro-Pinoy youth (Migration and Development) 11.00-11.30

Keynote Speech, HE Ambassador Nathaniel Imperial, Philippine EmbassyTel-Aviv About the sanctuary given by the Philippines to European Jewish refugees escaping the holocaust in World War II as a reference point in discussing how some of the Euro-Pinoys give support to the refugees/ migrants coming to Europe from Syria and north African countries. The Euro-Pinoy support to refugees is an illustration of their integration in Europe and in responding to the refugee ’crisis’.

11.30-12.00

Question & Answer with the speakers

12.00-13.30

LUNCH BREAK

13.30-14.00

Keynote Speech Atty. Cecilia Jimenez- Damary, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights on current human rights situation in the world and how it (can) affect the lives of Europe-based Filipinos. With special attention to women, the ethnic minorities and marginalized people and the situation of displaced people in Marawi.

After the last keynote speech, split into Youth Forum and ENFiD Conference sessions.

YOUTH FORUM PROGRAM: 14.00-18.00 Speakers: Ms. Melanie Cuizon- Baturi, to contextualize the experiences of different generations of Euro-Pinoys Ms. Regina Galias, Officer-in-charge of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, CFO, Manila, Philippines to talk about the CFO’s program on Overseas Filipino youths to bring them closer to their land of heritage and where the possible link with Y-ENFiD lies and forward-looking ideas Workshops: Why is it important for Euro-Pinoy youths to get organized? (goal-setting) What are the burning questions/ issues of Euro-Pinoy youths? (defining the framework) What can be done to answer these issues? (action-planning) ENFID CONFERENCE SESSION PROGRAM: 14.00-18.00 Speakers: Rt. Rev. Msgr. Jerry V. Bitoon Vicar General of the Diocese of San Pablo and Honorary Board Member ENFiD 40

On the politics of migration, including community organizing, the politics of being nonpartisan, involvement of Euro-Pinoy with controversial issues such as human rights, gender relations, migration and development, and growing old in Europe, etc.

Ms. Leila Rispens-Noel, Director and co-founder of WIMLER Hongkong and WIMLER Philippines on supporting development projects in the Philippines, social entrepreneurship and investment opportunities for Euro- Pinoys and reaching retirement age in Europe.

Workshops: 1. Development projects, Investment opportunities, Social Entrepreneurship Euro-Pinoys are avid supporters of development projects in their hometowns. The moment we set foot in Europe, our lives are marked with providing help to various development projects- building schools, scholarships, women projects, etc. In the last years, support through social entrepreneurships also became more known although investments in businesses set up by Filipino migrants is also becoming popular. How can we ensure real empowerment through development projects and social entrepreneurships? What are the possible traditional business investments open for us as Euro-Pinoys? These and more will be the highlights of the input of our invited speakers.

Speakers, Ranz Lorenzo, Managing Director, BPO ME Consulting, Dubai UAE and Leila Rispens-Noel of WIMLER HK and Philippines Facilitator, Jean Lanerud- Gulfan, ENFiD-Norway 2. We came, we worked, we raised our children, we welcome our grandchildren‌ Decades after our migration to Europe, we find ourselves in the threshold of retirement.

We are the Euro- Pinoy Senior Citizens. How do we relate ourselves with the migration and development here in Europe and in the Philippines?

Speaker, Diana Oosterbeek-Latoza, Stg. Bayanihan, NL Facilitator: Tessie Bertumen Wilms, ENFiD-Germany 3. Sustainable development should be a concern of all- whether we live in Europe or in the Philippines. ENFiD embarks in environment projects such as biogas digester and waste segregation. What are these and how can you be a part of these initiatives?

Presentation of Enviroment Projects of ENFiD, Ruby Anna Bengtsson and Tess Badana- Ramakers, ENFiD Environment Team Facilitator, Dennis Mana-ay, ENFiD Board Member/ ENFiD France.

4. Migration and Social Issues are interlinked. Migrants all over the world while integrating to the society of the host country, avidly follows the social issues in their origin country. This is also true for Euro-Pinoys. In the face of economic, political and social integration in their host countries, the Euro-Pinoys zealously express their sentiments regarding the social issues in the Philippines such as respect human for human rights, gender equality and the likes.

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Speaker, Kay Abaño, filmmaker, Germany Facilitator, Rosalud dela Rosa, ENFiD Board Member/ ENFiD Italy and Owner/ Manager of Mayumi Spa in Rome 5. Integration of Euro-Pinoys in Europe is an inherent topic within the Filipino community, who is sometimes referred to as the ‘invisible’ community, which connotes that the Filipinos are well- integrated in the European society. They speak the language, they participate in economic activities, they have European circle of frends, they are not a ‘loud problematic’ ethnic group. How true (or untrue) are these connotations?

Speaker: Theresa Alders, Second Secretary and Consul Phil Embassy, The Hague, NL Faciltator: Edwin dela Cruz, ENFiD UK and Head of Faculty of Nursing, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

GALA CONCERT & DINNER at Hotel Gladbeck Van der Valk, Bohmentstr. 333, 45964 Gladbeck Busses are arranged to bring the participants to the Gala venue and back to the lodging venue.

DAY 2 Sunday, 1 October 2017 9:00-10.00

Catholic Mass officiated by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Jerry V. Bitoon (Optional: for those interested)

Conference Session: 10.00-10.45 Joint plenary reporting of the workshops from the first day: Youth Forum and Conference workshops 10.45-11.00 11.00-11.15

11.15-12.00 LUNCH BREAK

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Launch of Y-ENFiD Launch of ENFiD Sports Program to be presented by Dennis Manaay, ENFiD- France, Michelle Marquez, ENFiD -Czech Republic and Ric Gacayan ENFiD-UK Discussion and approval of Conference Recommendations

ENFID GENERAL ASSEMBLY Sunday, October 1, 2017 14.00- 18.00 Opening/ Introduction by Gene Alcantara, former ENFiD Chairperson Welcome and Presentation of Annual Report 2016 by Betsy von Atzigen, ENFiD Chairperson Presentation of the Board of Directors of ENFiD and Country Representatives

by Betsy von Atzigen, ENFiD Chairperson Presentation of Committee Heads/Members (PR/Communication, IT/Website, Environment, Youth, Arts and Culture, Training and Education) by Diana Halmans, ENFiD Board Secretary and Leonor Vintervoll, ENFiD Board Member Country Presentations/ Reports facilitated by Cheryl Sevegan and Nadeen Shaw, ENFiD Board Members Presentation and discussion/ Approval of Amendments to the Constitution by Ric Gacayan, ENFiD Board Member and facilitated by Rosalud dela Rosa, ENFiD Board Member Presentation and discussion of proposed 2 YAP 2018-2019 from the Joint Meeting of the Board and Country Representatives held on 29 September 2017 by Rohlee de Guzman, ENFiD Executive Director Facilitated by Vanda Brady, ENFiD PR Officer Election of New Board Members moderated by Marison Rodriguez, ENFiD Vice Chairperson Oath-taking of New Board Members Signing of Pledge, Oggie Maristela, ENFiD Board Member (in-charge) Signing in on Committees/ Programs by Assembly Attendants END of the Conference and General Assembly.

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