UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL: HIS EXCELLENCY AMBASSADOR
Spring Forward with Exceptional Voices
Dear readers,
How quickly time has flown! I, myself, have watched my son grow and reach several milestones these past monthsnot to mention his first birthday in May surrounded by family and friends…
We are well into the second quarter—a season of growth, renewal and continued progress - a perfect backdrop for the stories and individuals featured in this issue. From diplomacy and artistry to entrepreneurship and advocacy, this quarter brings together voices making meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.
Get to know H.E. Ambassador Teddy Boy Locsin as he talks about his diverse roles, his journey on becoming where he is now as well as lessons to ponder in an interview with our UK Country Editor, Myla Arceno. We also feature the appointment of the new Philippine Ambassador to Sweden, reinforcing the bonds between our nations. Environmental consciousness takes center stage through ENFiD – the European Network of Filipino Diaspora as they address migrant behaviors that impact the environment.
I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate JJ Pietsch for his dazzling victory at Eurovision 2025. You make the Filipino proud!
We also highlight artist, Harold Khan’s journey through art and diaspora, as well as Mrenker Books
Publishing championing Filipino voices in Europe.
We also delve into meaningful issues with our features on Cancer Prevention, Diversity in Media, and Seniors in Focus, encouraging conversations that matter across generations and communities.
As always, happy reading and until our next issue!
Rebecca Urbančík Garcia EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
AMBASSADOR TEDDY BOY LOCSIN P6
ENFID – ECO WARRIORS OF THE WORLD P 10
JJ PIETSCH P1 6
HAROLD KHAN, ARTIST P 1 9
NEW PHILIPPINE AMBASSADOR TO SWEDEN P2 3
MRENKER BOOKS P2 4
MARJA FOLCKE, TRADER P2 6
FILIPINO ENTREPRENEUR IN SWITZERLAND, LORENA G P 29
CANCER PREVENTION P3 2
DIVERSITY IN MEDIA P3 4
SENIORS IN FOCUS P 37
MEET THE TEAM
Roots&Wings
roots & wings filipino magazine in europe published by rachel publishing co. stockholm, sweden 2009-2025
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Gloria Hernandez Grejalde associate editor, philippines
Jennifer Fergesen associate editor, country editor, norway
Donna Patricia Manio lifestyle & country editor, philippines
Donna Avellana Künzler country editor, switzerland
Ieth Inolino Idzerda contributor, the netherlands
Rebecca Urbančík Garcia editor in chief, country editor, czech republic
Maria Josephine Renker country editor, germany
Zipriano “Zip” De Guzman country editor, luxembourg
Dennis Manaay country editor, france
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Maria Gutehall country editor, sweden
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Myla Arceno country editor, uk member advisory council
Alfonso Joaquin De Jesus De Vera social media/youth editor, austria
Anton Miguel D. De Vera youth editor, austria
Maria De Los Reyes associate country editor, uk
Dulce Lada country editor, spain
Luz Bergersen country editor, norway member advisory council
Atty. Aimee Alado -Blake legal counsel, uk member advisory council
Rachel Hansen publisher/founder, sweden member advisory council
Jenny Hansen art director/layout, philippines
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH Ambassador Teddy Boy Locsin
His diplomatic career followed decades in media and government
By Myla Arceno, MCSP
Honourable Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. is Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland with concurrent Jurisdiction over Ireland, Isle of Man, and Bailiwicks of Guernsey and Jersey. The Ambassador had returned from an official trip to the Philippines shortly before this relaxed interview at the ambassador’s office at the embassy in London. The conversation covers his diverse roles, his journey on becoming where he is now and lessons for us to ponder.
AS A WRITER
“For you to be a good writer, you need to start writing. No matter how much you read books, that’s not enough. What really helps in any public career is learning how to write, and how you learn how to write is by writing; that’s the only way.”
on that trip. That was the start of his writing career at the age of 17, with the country’s best writers available to check his work, hone his strengths and improve his weaknesses.
AS A LAWYER AND GOVERNMENT WORKER
When martial law was declared in 1972, the Free Press was closed and Teddy Boy’s father was put in jail. Before his departure, he turned to their family lawyer, Joker Arroyo, and said, “That boy is very naughty—send him to law school. When he’s back in school, he will not get in trouble.” After finishing his law degree, Teddy Boy worked for Ponce Enrile’s law firm and then became the favourite lawyer of Ed Angara.
Teddy Boy’s father was a publisher of The Philippines Free Press—the biggest and oldest (founded in 1908) paper in the Philippines. When his father travelled to Red China behind the Bamboo Curtain for work, as directed by then President Ferdinand Marcos, Teddy Boy asked to join him, with a motive of going shopping in Hong Kong. During those times, Filipino kids often went to Hong Kong with their yayas (nannies) during the summer.
“ THE ONLY THING WORTHWHILE ACHIEVING IS TO HELP FILIPINOS BRING OUT THE BEST IN THEMSELVES AND LEAVE A LASTING IMPRESSION ON THE WELLBEING OF THE HOST PEOPLE.
In China, Teddy Boy watched his first hydrogen bomb explosion, met Red Guards, did some military training in the Red Army, honed his bayonet practice, and engaged in other things boys like to do, he says. When they arrived home in 1967, his father asked him to write the cover story from his experience
With his writer’s bloodline calling, he soon realized he wanted to reopen the Free Press. He therefore went to San Francisco to restart the publication on U.S. soil. He put out one issue and then he received a call from Cory Aquino. “Teddy Boy, I’m running for president. Come home and write for me,” she said with a strict tone, he recalled. Teddy Boy says that being surrounded by strict people always helped him with his own self-discipline. Cory Aquino was religious and loved to read the Bible; thus, she influenced the ambassador to study the Bible to get into the rhythm of writing the speeches for her.
In government, the ambassador has served as legal counsel and speech writer to President Corazon Aquino and speech writer to Presidents Joseph
Estrada and Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo. He was also elected to the Philippine House of Representatives, where he represented the First District of Makati City from 2001 to 2010.
He served as the 20th Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations, of which the Philippines is a founding member, succeeding a long line of distinguished diplomats. He then served as the Philippine Secretary of the Foreign Affairs from 2018 to 2022. He was appointed by President Marcos Jr as the Ambassador to the United Kingdom in August 2022.
AS A PUBLIC SPEAKER
“Terrible” in public speaking as a young boy but an excellent writer in many papers and speeches, the ambassador gives credit to Noli de Castro for opening the opportunity to a new line of work in television.
Although he was already the publisher and editor of Daily Globe and Today, Noli told him that nobody knew him except the readers of the paper. He was persuaded by Noli de Castro to come on T.V. and be the English version of Magandang Gabi Bayan. He was hesitant and shy at first. He recorded himself a few times—with one cameraman and a lot of hesitancy— until Noli aired one of his recorded shows. That was the start of people recognising him and of the history of his public speaking career on television.
That’s when I got to know him, too, on television during my school years.
AS AN AMBASSADOR AND A LEADER
Ambassador Locsin is not a career diplomat. He was a political appointee of President Duterte to the United Nations and Foreign Secretary, later appointed by President Marcos Jr. as the ambassador to the United Kingdom.
According to him, his job as the ambassador is to protect and serve his nationals abroad. “You must be available to help and take care of the nationals. Most of the time you go to various consular places to serve the needs of the Filipinos,” he says.
“For young people aspiring to be diplomats, you must keep in mind that you are not special. The job is not rocket science, but it is hard to pass the foreign service exams. There are good people who did not make it; sometimes you need luck. What you do is how to be useful to Filipinos abroad. You don’t have to be brilliant.”
WHAT THE AMBASSADOR HAS ACHIEVED
“The only thing worthwhile achieving is to help Filipinos bring out the best in themselves and leave
a lasting impression on the well-being of the host people,” he says.
A lawyer by profession and a journalist by trade, Ambassador Teodoro L. Locsin Jr holds a Master of Law from Harvard Law School, and was publisher, editorial writer, and co-anchor and host of several national broadsheets and radio and TV news shows. He was publisher of Today and Globe newspaper, host and co-anchor of TV shows “Teditorial”, “The Assignment” and “Points of View”, and co-anchor of radio shows “Executive Session” and “Karambola”. He was also the editorial writer of the Philippines Free Press and writer of Interaksyon.
The ambassador is the middle child with two brothers. He is married to Maria Lourdes Barcelon Locsin and has four children. He was once a model for a famous jeans brand.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Myla (Petmyla) Arceno is a Filipina-British resident in Stevenage, U.K., where she was the first Filipina mayor. A physiotherapist, she is also active in academics, arts and culture, and government service. A pride of the Filipino community in the U.K., Myla is now a Councillor in Stevenage. Myla hails from Bacolod City, Negros Occidental in the Philippines.
Eco Warriors
European Network of Filipino Diaspora addresses migrant behaviors that impact the environment
By Aieshah Balmori, ENFiD - Czech Republic
of the World
ENFiD, The European Network of Filipino Diaspora, successfully held its 11th Annual General Assembly (AGA) from April 24 to 26, 2025 in Reykjavik. Delegates from 13 European countries came together to discuss how the Filipino diaspora in Europe can influence migrant behaviors that impact the environment.
In her book, “The Filipino Migration Experience,“ Mina Roces mapps out how the Filipino diaspora acts as global agents of change. With 10 million Filipinos overseas, the diaspora has influenced trends in the Philippines and made an impact on policies in their host countries. Every year, ENFiD uses its Annual General Assembly as the impetus for Filipinos in Europe to make their voices heard and steer the migrant conversation in Europe.
On April 16, an online AGA preceded the face-to-face conference in Iceland. In the e-AGA, member countries reported on their activities in the past year. Plans for the coming year were also unveiled. Clarifications regarding the constitutional amendments and country representations were also discussed.
AGA THEME: SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
In Reykjavik, Iceland, formal activities started with the ENFiD Board of Directors paying a courtesy call on Halla Tómasdóttir, Iceland’s President, presenting token gifts from ENFiD member countries. The President emphasized how Filipinos have contributed to Icelandic society, and revealed that after speaking to the developer of a language app, was told that Filipinos are fast learners of the Icelandic language, “I was told that Filipinos embrace language learning with joy and enthusiasm.
A community mass was celebrated at the Basilica of Christ the King. followed by a welcome dinner hosted
ENFID FACTS
The European Network of Filipino Diaspora (ENFiD) was formed in September 2012 during a Dialogue-toDiaspora (D2D) event in Rome, Italy, organized by the Global Filipino Diaspora Council, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), and the Philippine Embassy in Italy. Today, ENFiD continues to champion its flagship program, Diaspora to Dialogue (D2D)—a platform fostering meaningful conversations and deeper engagement among Filipino communities across Europe. To date, 11 D2D events have been held in various cities, strengthening connections and
by ENFiD Iceland. Delegates met and bond with each other, many of them, meeting for the first time.
The next day was an organized excursion, guided by Hannes Þorsteinsson and Jared Almacen, along Iceland’s renowned Golden Circle, visiting the Gullfoss waterfall, Laugarvatn Fontana, the geothermal area of Geysir, and the historically significant Þingvellir National Park and Kerið Crater. This immersive tour was organized so that delegates can appreciate the power of Icelandic nature and how the country leads in sustainable development, this year’s theme for the AGA.
CONFERENCE DAY, APRIL 26TH
Representatives from 13 countries—Austria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom—along with special guests from Poland, Finland and the Netherlands, attended. The conference was opened with a formal ceremony led by ENFiD Iceland’s director, Marvi Gil, and ENFiD Adviser and ENFiDAustria´s Chairperson Marizel Rojas who joined in facilitating the conference flow.
Patrick Clairzier, keynote speaker, is an experienced social science scholar currently teaching international relations and law at CY Cergy Paris Université, the Université Paris-Panthéon-Assas, and the American Graduate School in Paris. Clairzier talked about how migration and climate change interact. Clairzier underscored the vital role of overseas Filipinos as catalysts for sustainability, impacting local and global communities through their transnational ties.
Marison Rodriguez, ENFiD Chairperson, reflected on the network’s milestones over the past year, the triumphs the Filipino diaspora achieved across Europe, and the continued relevance of ENFiD’s mission in
collaborative action within the diaspora. The D2D 12.0 will be on 27 June 2025 in Halden Norway with the Philippine Embassy in Oslo, Kalayaan Norge Østfold, and ENFiD-Norge.
In 2023, the number of country representatives for each ENFiD member country increased from one to two. As a result, all nominated representatives now hold director positions within ENFiD. With 12 member countries, this has expanded the Board of Directors to 24 members—making it the largest in ENFiD’s history as of 2025.
the context of global change. In alignment with the conference theme, “Filipino Diaspora: Eco Warriors of the World,” Rodriguez expressed appreciation for the opportunity to witness Iceland’s natural beauty, stating, “We are equally grateful for the chance to experience Iceland’s breathtaking natural wonders through the tour along the Golden Circle. As eco warriors of the world, this journey is a powerful reminder of our responsibility to protect and preserve the beauty of our planet—not just for ourselves, but for generations to come.”
ENFiD Today highlighted core programs: Diaspora to Dialogue (D2D), Center of Excellence (CoE), Youth Changemakers Forum, and the Annual General Assemblies and conferences. Rodriguez also presented two key priority projects for the year: The revamp of the ENFiD website and the creation of a coffee table book celebrating the diaspora experience. These 4 programs are fully aligned with ENFiD‘s core values:
relationships. She offered a comparative reflection on Icelandic and Filipino relationship dynamics, noting Iceland’s emphasis on independence and the Philippine’s strong family-centered values. Ragga was back by popular demand after she gave a similarly engaging talk on intercultural relationships in Iceland’s 2024 Diaspora to Dialogue.
Momentum carried on for the screening of “Proud Pinoy, Citizen of the World,” a reels competition featuring creative video entries from each ENFiD country. The audience was invited to vote for their favorites, with the Czech Republic securing third place, the UK in second, and Cyprus as the winner.
Participants broke out in sessions to co-create a collective Eco-Warrior Pledge in articulating their shared commitment to environmental sustainability as migrants and members of the global Filipino community. Each participating country presented their own version of the pledge, reflecting local realities and shared aspirations.
1. Promoting movements and building networks (Pagtataguyod ng Kilusan at Ugnayan);
2. Advancing community spirit, unity, and collective dialogue (Pagsulong ng Bayanihan at Buklodtalakayan); and
3. Cultivation of Practices, Values, and Knowledge (Paglinang ng mga Gawi, Pagpapahalaga at Kaalaman).
Looking ahead, she shared ENFiD’s upcoming calendar of events across member countries. These included community festivals, D2D sessions, the Center of Excellence launch at the UN in Vienna in August 2025, the Youth Change Makers Forum 2.0 in February 2026 and the 12th ENFiD Annual General Assembly in Switzerland in Autumn 2026. Rodriguez emphasized the power of unity, cultural identity, and diaspora engagement in responding to today’s most pressing issues, particularly climate action, youth, and intergenerational involvement.
The program continued with Ragnheiður “Ragga” Bjarman Eiriksdóttir, who shared her insights on how climate change can affect personal and social
The moment highlighted the diversity of the ENFiD network while uniting everyone under a common purpose: To be eco warriors in action, wherever they are in the world.
Gene Alcantara, ENFiD’s First Chairperson, concluded the Conference with closing remarks, commending the network’s progress and inspiring delegates to carry forward the momentum built during the assembly. He also reminded everyone to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming Philippine national elections and to inform the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) that the Filipino community abroad is well aware and actively engaged in the democratic process.
In the evening, delegates gathered for the muchanticipated ENFiD Gala night, and the 60th birthday celebration for Evelyn Tagalog, ENFiD Director and ENFiD-Iceland Country Representative. Held at FI Salurinn, the event echoed the spirit of bayanihan that binds the Filipino diaspora—from food, fashion, and music, to laughter-filled tributes and spontaneous performances.
One of the highlights during the Gala night was the presentation of the European Diaspora Impact Award 2025. The awards were presented by Christian Estrada, ENFiD adviser, former ENFiD Chairperson, and the head of the European award-giving body, to individuals whose exceptional service and leadership have made a lasting impact on the Filipino diaspora community. The awardees are as follows:
1. EDWIN DELA CRUZ
A trailblazer in nursing education and development, Edwin has led transformative initiatives to uplift Filipino healthcare professionals in the UK, blending compassion with strategic leadership.
2. DR. UNNUR DÍS SKAPTADÓTTIR
Through her groundbreaking studies, Dr. Skaptadóttir has deepened public understanding of the Filipino experience in Iceland, influencing policies and fostering cultural inclusion. Her research resulted in practical changes in the reception of Filipino nurses
and an understanding of why transnational practices are important even if Filipino families have settled in Iceland.
3. ESTER BEATTY
As Chair of Federation of Filipino Organizations in Cyprus (FFOC), Ester has been a powerful advocate for the welfare and rights of Filipino migrant workers in Cyprus. Her leadership in community mobilization and human rights advocacy has brought critical attention to the challenges faced by overseas Filipinos, inspiring both action and solidarity. Their exemplary contributions continue to inspire and set a benchmark for diaspora engagement and community empowerment.
The night concluded with the ceremonial handover to Switzerland, the next ENFiD AGA host country, signaling the close of an unforgettable gathering and the beginning of preparations for the next chapter in ENFiD’s journey.
ENFID LEADERSHIP
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Chairperson: Marison Rodriguez, Czech Republic; Vice-Chairperson: Jeffrey Morales, Germany; Secretary: Ana Bel Mayo, Italy; Assistant Secretary: Maribel Favor, United Kingdom; Treasurer: Annie Estricomen, France; Assistant Treasurer: Menchu Villegas, Italy; Public Relations Officer: Marvi Gil, Iceland; Auditor: Sarah Andrea Banaag, Switzerland
BOARD MEMBERS:
Sarah Jozelle Rojas, Austria; Darren Casuga, Austria; Ester Beatty, Cyprus; Valerie Badilla, Cyprus; Emmylou Petrova, Czech Republic; Rafaelito Gomez, France; Dorie Reyes Polocziek, Germany; Carmelina Tolentino, Hungary; Cyron Agustin, Hungary; Evelyn Rojas Tagalog, Iceland; Menchu Villegas, Italy; Florisa de Jesus , Malta; Carl Julius Cabrera, Malta; Gina Sollano Hardy, Norway; Maria Roled, Norway; Marcelina Manalo-Emert, Switzerland; Leny Oanes, United Kingdom
PROGRAM HEADS:
Diaspora-to-Dialogue (D2D): Jeffrey Morales; Center of Excellence (CoE): Valerie Badilla; Youth Change Makers Forum: Marison Rodriguez; Annual General Assembly & Conference: Host Country
TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP LEADERS
Finance & Grants: Annie Estricomen; Communications and Marketing: Marvi Gil
ADVISERS
Christian Estrada, Marizel Rojas, Gene Alcantara
JJ PIETSCH!
By Ralph Chan
Johannes Pietsch, also known as JJ, displays his Eurovision trophy. (Photo by Denise Auer via Heute.at, licensed under CC BY 4.0)
May 17, 2025—the finals of the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland— was a big day for the Filipino and Austrian communities. When 23-yearold Austrian Filipino singer Johannes Pietsch, also known as JJ, secured a place in the final after the semi-finals on Thursday, hopes for a victory were high. He came in fifth place with 104 points. But who would have thought that he would actually win for Austria on the final evening? According to the bookmakers, JJ had a good chance, but there were many other talented artists who also had a chance of winning.
JJ was the ninth to sing his song and, thanks to his vocal acrobatics, dramatic performance and song, he prevailed over all the other artists and entries. His performance was cheered both in the St. Jakobshalle in Basel and in front of television screens. His artistry was rewarded with votes from both the national jury (with a total of 258 points) and the audience (with a total of 178 points), with the national jury awarding him a total of eight 12-point scores. It is therefore no surprise that he won the 69th Eurovision Song Contest with an outstanding 436 points.
A RISING SUPERSTAR
Johannes was born in Vienna, the son of an Austrian IT specialist and a Filipino chef. He spent most of his childhood in Dubai and returned to Austria with his family in 2016. He speaks several languages, including Tagalog, and also learned Arabic while studying at an international school in Dubai.
Johannes’ musical career began quite early. When his family returned to Austria, he attended the opera school of the Vienna State Opera. In 2020, he took part in the ninth season of the casting show The Voice UK after missing the deadline for The Voice Germany. There, he was selected in the blind auditions by Will.i.am, the American rapper and singer from the hip-hop band The Black Eyed Peas, and made it to the knockouts. He tried his luck again the following year, taking part in the fifth season of the Austrian casting show Starmania, where he made it to the first final show.
In 2023, he began studying at the Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna (MUK), where he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in solo singing. JJ also regularly performs in productions at the Vienna State Opera. JJ‘s musical style combines elements of opera and pop. As a soprano-type countertenor
with a vocal range extending into the high soprano register, he explores both genres through an intense and expressive vocal and interpretative approach.
SOME FACTS ABOUT JJ
In an interview with the online newspaper The National, JJ mentioned that he discovered his love for music, especially classical music, during his childhood in Dubai. He also said in the interview that his parents hosted karaoke parties almost every weekend and that he and his sisters loved to sing along, especially songs by Kelly Clarkson and Mariah Carey. His father also played classical music for them, which is another reason why he sings ‘popera’ today. He considers it a privilege to be able to combine both worlds.
In another interview with the website queer.de, JJ describes himself as queer and proud to represent the LGBTQIA+ community. He says he is now the voice of the queer community in Austria and also for anyone who feels represented by him. His personal message is simply to love one another, because love is the most beautiful thing in the world and hate is the most terrible. When you are there for each other, everything can work out great.
TWELVE POINTS GO TO AUSTRIA
In early January 2025, the Austrian broadcasting station ORF announced that JJ would represent Austria at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest with the song ‘Wasted Love’. He was chosen for his vocal artistry. ‘Wasted Love’ is a surprising drama, a pop opera about wasted love lasting just under three minutes. In an interview with an Austrian daily newspaper Kleine Zeitung, he said that the song is about his experiences from his former relationship that ended last year. ‘This love was painful; like a oneway street, there was nothing coming back’, said JJ.
JJ Pietsch is the second Filipino to represent Austria in the world biggest music competition Eurovision Song Contest. Vincent Bueno also represented Austria at the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 in the Netherlands after the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 was cancelled on 18 March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Roots & Wings and the entire Filipino community in Austria and Europe congratulate JJ Pietsch on his successful victory and wish him all the best for his future. We are proud of you, Kabayan. Maligayang pagbati sa iyong pagtatanghal, JJ!
The Courage to Say ‘Sige!’
Harold Khan’s journey through art and diaspora
Story and Photos by Marie Khan
PAGHUBOG NI AMAN SINAYA, 120X160CM ACRYLIC
ON CANVAS
"Paghuboag ni Aman Sinaya" (Aman Sinaya's Shaping/Creation), a deity from Philippine mythology often associated with the sea and fishing, one sees the richness in blues and turquoises, capturing the essence of the ocean. "Paghubog” suggests creation, transformation, or shaping.
The painting pays homage to marine life and the bounty of the ocean, symbolizing abundance, harmony, and reverence for nature.Accents of gold, orange, and crimson ripple through fish and coral, infusing the composition with contrast and warmth.
When we first arrived in Vienna, life felt like a series of adjustments—new language, new routines, and the kind of cold that crept into your bones. But what struck me most was how quietly Harold carried it all. Armed with his degree in Fine Arts from the University of Santo Tomas and years of creative experience back home, he found himself behind a McDonald’s counter, smiling at customers while tucking his dreams away for the time being. It was a far cry from the colorful world of comics and illustrations he loved growing up. Watching Harold during those early years was both humbling and heartbreaking. He never complained— not once. He worked hard, saved, and gave everything he had to help us build a new life in Vienna. But I knew he missed his art. I saw it in the way he’d pause over
Depictions of second-generation Filipino-European teens illustrating their complex cultures that celebrate the richness of identity across the diaspora—a powerful reminder that unity thrives in diversity.
an ad, admire street graffiti, linger over paintings in museums we visited or how his eyes lit up when talking about old comics and animated shows. His creativity was always there, just waiting for the right time and space to resurface.
That turning point came quietly—a few sketches here, a watercolor test there, some digital character designs on Sunday afternoons. Before long, he was back to illustrating and coloring more seriously, staying up late, surrounded by brushes, canvases, and colors. I would often sit nearby, sipping tea and writing while he painted. It felt like I was watching him come back to life.
Another beautiful surprise was how our three children’s own artistic inclinations inspired him even further. Seeing them draw, build, and create sparked something deeper in Harold. He naturally began
WE’RE ALL IN THE MIX: UNITY IN DIVERSITY, 120X160CM ACRYLIC ON CANVAS
teaching them—how to shade a face, mix colors, and approach creativity with curiosity and joy. He would join us during our art projects at home or bring them to their art lessons. In those shared moments—whether painting beside them or offering quiet guidance—he wasn’t just passing on skills; he was reconnecting with a part of himself he had long set aside. In nurturing their creativity, he began to nurture his own.
Sometime later, Harold's quiet return to art led to a meaningful collaboration with his friend Martin Binder Blumenthal and the Jugendkoordination of the SPÖ (Sozialdemokratische Partei Österreichs)— Austria’s Social Democratic Party, known for its advocacy of social justice, equality, and cultural support. The Jugendkoordination, the party’s youth coordination arm, focuses on engaging young people through education, civic involvement, and creative expression.
Under the leadership of Peko Baxant, Harold was commissioned to illustrate Mister X, a noir-style comic depicting the political scene at that time. The project allowed Harold to reconnect with his passion for storytelling through visuals—echoing his college days
illustrating for UST’s The Varsitarian—but now doing so as a published artist in Vienna and embraced by a new community. It was a pivotal moment, marking his first public artistic project in his new home and reminding him that his creative voice still had a place in the world.
Eventually, Harold left behind the fast-paced world of food service to fully pursue the creative career he had always dreamed of. With his Fine Arts background and years of personal exploration, he quickly proved himself, steadily taking on larger projects. Today, Harold is an established senior graphic artist—a role that not only recognizes his talents but finally allows him to fully express the creativity he had quietly carried with him all along.
Harold’s growth as an artist was shaped not just by time or tools, but by the people who believed in him. His first opportunities to exhibit came through Filipino Festival KUBÖ/Kultur Bayanihan Österreich’s Arlene Castaneda and FVAA/Filipino Visual Artists in Austria’s Gerry de Guzman, who gave him the chance to showcase his work publicly in Vienna. Encouraged by visual artist Norlie Meimban,
HE. EVANGELINA LOURDES ARROYO-BERNAS PENCIL SKETCH ON BRISTOL PAPER 21X29CM
A pencil sketch of H.E. Evangelina Lourdes Arroyo-Bernas, gifted at the recent "Tara Let’s" Filipino art exhibit in March 2025.
NEON RAINFALL, 21X29CM WATERCOLOR ON PAPER
Umbrellas bloom like flowers in the Tokyo rain, as shoppers weave through neon-lit streets and bustling storefronts—where style never stops, rain or shine.
CONTEMPORARY NATIVE, MIXED MEDIA (WATERCOLOR AND COLORED PENCIL) 60X84CM ART PAPER
An Illustration of a senior Igorot that blends tradition and contemporary identity— honoring ancestral roots while embracing the present. Coincidentally, the layout concept was conceived a year before Vogue magazine published a cover with Apo Wang Od. The illustration was started November 2022 and was finished by July 2023
who saw his potential and pushed him to take more creative risks by using other media, Harold continued to gain confidence. With the support of writer and friend Dexter Matilla—who had first introduced him to Meimban and later organized his first solo exhibition titled “die Königinnen”—he began to carve out his own place in both the Vienna and Manila art scenes.
Building on this momentum, Harold later cofounded sige!, a growing network dedicated to uplifting Filipino artists in Austria, with fellow creatives Charmaine Taus and Gerard Rabara. Through sige!, he found more than just collaborators; he found a family—people who understood what it meant to move between cultures, to dream across borders, and to create community through art.
Since its founding, sige! hosted exhibitions, workshops, discussions, and events that highlight Filipino talent. Through partnerships with local organizations and art spaces, sige! has given Filipino artists a platform to share their work, tell their stories, and connect with broader audiences. It has fostered
collaboration across different disciplines—visual arts, music, writing, and culinary arts—creating spaces where creativity and cultural identity are celebrated side by side. More than just promoting individual success, sige! continues to build a supportive community that empowers Filipino artists to keep going, to be visible, and to proudly claim their spot in Europe’s artistic landscape.
To me, Harold’s journey is not just about art. It’s about starting over with courage. It’s about believing that it’s never too late to return to your passion. And it’s about the power of community—of finding others who say “sige!” when the road ahead looks unclear.
Behind the scenes, I’ve simply tried to hold space for him—to believe in the version of him that maybe even he had forgotten for a while. As he often reminds me on days when writing feels heavy, "You don't always find your art again—sometimes it finds you, quietly, when you’re ready." I've started to believe that too, and it keeps me going.
I know I’m not alone in believing in him. My parents-in-law, Lilia and Heinz, have always been among his biggest supporters, proudly displaying his finished illustrations in their home, quietly proud of every new milestone he reaches. Over time, our circle has expanded too—friends, fellow artists, and even art enthusiasts who discover his work and see something of themselves in it. With every exhibition, collaboration, and project, that small community of encouragement grows, reminding Harold—and me—that his journey is no longer just his own, but something bigger he's building with others.
Today, Harold is an artist whose work reflects the complexity of his story—navigating life through color, memory, and movement. But to me, he’s still the man I met years ago with a sketchbook in one hand and a dream in the other.
And every time he picks up a brush, I’m reminded: this is just the beginning.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Marie Khan is a writer and photographer with a deep passion for travel, the arts, and family life. Through her blogs—gmirage.com, vienna101.com, ourcitytravels. com, and techiekids.info, among others—she shares thoughtful stories and imagery that capture both the charm of everyday moments and the wonder of far away places. Whether strolling through the streets of Vienna, sharing parenting insights, or chronicling family trips, Marie’s work reflects a warm, personal perspective that her readers can relate to.
AMBASSADOR PATRICK A. CHUASOTO Presents His Credentials to His Majesty
Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden
The newly appointed ambassador previously served as Chargé d’Affaires at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C
By Philippine Embassy in Stockholm
Stockholm – Ambassador Patrick A. Chuasoto, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines to the Kingdom of Sweden, formally presented his credentials to His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf, the King of Sweden, in a solemn ceremony held at the Royal Palace in Stockholm on 29 April 2025.
A seasoned career diplomat with extensive experience in both bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, Ambassador Chuasoto conveyed the warm
greetings and best wishes of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the Filipino people to His Majesty and the Swedish nation. Ambassador Chuasoto reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to further strengthening the longstanding relations between the Philippines and Sweden, highlighting shared values, robust people-to-people ties, and growing cooperation in various areas, as evidenced by recent high-level visits to both countries.
Ambassador Chuasoto, brings to Sweden a wealth of diplomatic expertise, having previously
served as Chargé d’Affaires at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. and at the Philippine Mission to the United Nations in New York. He is recognized as a catalyst for longterm partnerships and is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing Philippine interests in Sweden and the broader Nordic region.
PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN STOCKHOLM GRENSTIGEN 2A, LIDINGÖ SWEDEN 070-847-47-80 STOCKHOLM.PE@DFA.GOV.PH
Ambassador Patrick A. Chuasoto (fourth from left) poses with (from left) Mr. Lars Amréus, Lord-in-Waiting; Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General Gines Jaime Ricardo D. Gallaga; Mr. Otto Von Platen, Deputy Masters of Ceremonies; Ambassador Harald Fries, Royal Court Marshall, and Second Secretary and Consul Pat Lester F. Solosa.
© The Royal Court of Sweden/Photo: Lisa Raihle Rehbäck.
FROM ILOILO TO THE STARS
How MRenkerBooks is championing Filipino voices in Europe
By Maria Renker
What happens when two dreamers meet on a university campus in Iloilo and share a love for stories, learning, and culture?
You get MRenkerBooks Publishing, a family-run publishing house founded by Michael and Maria Renker, who first met while studying at Central Philippine University in Iloilo City, Philippines.
Fast forward to 2022 in Germany— that shared passion evolved into MRenkerBooks: a growing platform for Filipino creatives in Europe and a bridge between cultures through multilingual children’s books, poetry, and speculative fiction.
MORE THAN A PUBLISHING HOUSE
The Pastel Dinos, a delightful series that brings pastel dinosaurs to life, are the books that started it all. Written by Maria Renker and illustrated by her daughter Kate, these stories are filled with gentle adventures, life lessons, and warm colors—perfect for young readers discovering friendship, courage, and kindness.
Another MRenker book, “Maria’s Dream Beyond the Stars,” was inspired by Maria’s own childhood dreams and her mother’s STEM legacy. This beautifully illustrated book follows a little girl who reaches for the stars— quite literally. It's a tale about believing in oneself, following your dreams, and the wonders of space. A celebration of Filipino excellence in science, space, and imagination.
‘Cosmic Lingo: An Intergalactic Guide for Young Explorers and Language Lovers,” launched May 18 at the Mama Macht Markt in Alte Kongresshalle, München. This trilingual space adventure is a colorful, educational journey through the cosmos—teaching space vocabulary in English, German, and Filipino.
Created by Maria, with art by Kate, editing by Cesca, and inspiration from
their son Michael Jr., “Cosmic Lingo” is both a playful language guide and a love letter to the stars.
For Michael and Maria, it’s more than a publishing house, it’s a movement.
MRenkerBooks doesn’t just stop at family books. Their growing catalogue includes powerful works by fellow Filipino authors in Europe, such as “Chasing Windmills” by Maya Butalid, a poignant memoir soon to be translated into German; “The Culling in Proxima” by Renato Tranquilino, a gripping sci-fi novel with deep philosophical undertones; and poetry from Jubail Andong, Claire Paladin, and Ma. Lowela Tondo Becaro—lyrical explorations of identity, migration, and belonging.
HELPING BUILD THE FILIPINO LITERARY CIRCLE IN EUROPE
To deepen this literary mission, Maria Renker founded the Philippine Literary Circle Europe—a collective that brings together Filipino creatives across the continent. Through readings, workshops, and cultural exchanges, the circle aims to preserve and promote Filipino heritage through storytelling, especially in diaspora communities.
Onward to the Frankfurter Buchmesse 2025. With the Philippines as Guest of Honor at this year’s Frankfurt Book Fair, MRenkerBooks hopes to proudly showcase its authors and stories—a powerful reminder that Filipino voices belong on the global stage.
MRenkerBooks Publishing is not just a business. It’s a love story—of a family, a culture, and the written word.
MARJA FOLCKE: Filipina-Swedish Stock Trader Shows the Way
Women in trading and the path to financial freedom
By Hanna Stenbacka Köhler
Photo
Marja Folcke’s journey—achieving millionaire SEK status before the age of 30—stands as a testament to what is possible, inspiring aspirants and those curious to take that first step. With careful planning and perseverance, those willing to learn can find success. Trading does not have to be exclusive to experts or insiders.
DELAYED GRATIFICATION: THE MARSHMALLOW TEST
Marja Folcke, born in Stockholm, Sweden in 1990, began her journey to financial independence with lessons that mirrored the famous “marshmallow test,” where children choose between immediate gratification or a delayed reward. Growing up, the concept of investment felt natural. She watched her father invest in stocks, for instance.
“As a child, I enjoyed learning about money,” Marja recalls. “The way my mom rewarded me with interest made saving fun but also taught me the value of thinking ahead.”
“ TRADING DOESN’T HAVE TO BE DIFFICULT OR RISKY.
DRIVEN BY AN ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT
After completing her master’s degree in business economics at Stockholm University, Marja began her career as a financial controller, working in real estate and banking. These roles gave her a solid understanding of financial systems and processes; however, her entrepreneurial spirit pushed her to seek greater autonomy and carve her own path.
In 2012, the introduction of Investment Saving Accounts (ISK) in Sweden made trading more accessible by removing barriers to entry.
“ISK was a game changer for me,” Marja explains. “It made trading easier to manage and less intimidating. That’s when I felt ready to dive in.”
She began trading, gradually refining her strategies and building confidence. Over time, her logical approach and ability to analyze market patterns helped her carve out a unique trading style.
A PERSONALIZED TRADING STRATEGY
Marja Folcke’s investment approach blends thoughtful long-term planning with a disciplined trading strategy. Her method focuses on investing in small-cap stocks, placing numerous orders across various companies to minimize the risk of each individual stock. Many of these orders are pending, awaiting execution at predetermined prices. In total, around 50% of Marja’s invested capital (excluding her property) is allocated to her trading strategy. The remaining 50% is invested in funds, stocks and unlisted companies. Her disciplined approach, focused on sustainable progress rather than high-risk bets, has proven effective even during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
BASIC FACTS
BORN
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, 1990
EDUCATION
MASTER’S DEGREE IN BUSINESS ECONOMICS, STOCKHOLM UNIVERSITY
FAMILY
MARRIED, MOTHER OF TWO
HERITAGE
SWEDEN/PHILIPPINES (MAASIN, SOUTHERN LEYTE)
FOLLOWERS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
CA 40,000 ACROSS INSTAGRAM PLATFORMS
INSTAGRAM: @MARJAFOLCKE @INVESTMERA
TIPS FOR ASPIRING TRADERS
For those new to trading, Marja emphasizes the importance of education, discipline, and risk management. Her advice includes:
• START SMALL: Begin with a modest amount of capital and focus on learning the basics.
• FIND YOUR STRATEGY: Choose an approach that fits your personality and lifestyle.
• CONTROL RISKS: Limit risk to 1% per trade to avoid significant losses.
• KEEP EMOTIONS OUT: Stick to your plan and resist the urge to react impulsively to market movements.
EMPOWERING WOMEN IN TRADING
Marja is particularly passionate about encouraging more women to explore trading, noting that the field is still heavily dominated by men. She believes greater representation and visibility can help break down barriers and change perceptions.
“Trading doesn’t have to be difficult or risky. If you take it step by step and stay disciplined, you can build something that works for you over time,” she says.
She actively participates in networks supporting women in finance and advocates for creating spaces where women can learn and thrive in the trading world.
CREATING A LIFE OF FREEDOM
For Marja, trading is more than a career, it’s a way to take control of her time. As a mother of two, she values the freedom it brings, letting her adapt her schedule to fit her family’s needs. Trading allows her to be present for her children while pursuing her ambitions, free from the constraints of a traditional job.
“Trading lets me create the balance I want in my life,” Marja shares. “It gives me the freedom to decide how I spend my time—whether it’s focusing on work, being with family, or enjoying life.”
Her journey shows that trading isn’t just about financial success; it’s about independence and building a life that reflects her priorities.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hanna Stenbacka Köhler is a Filipina-Swede, born in Stockholm. With a Master’s Degree in Economics from Stockholm University, she contributes to global efforts promoting sustainable development.
SMART MONEY TIPS
• SET CLEAR GOALS: Define your financial objectives, whether it’s achieving financial freedom, reaching a savings target, or building confidence in managing money.
• BUDGET WISELY: Monitor your income and expenses to maintain financial stability and avoid overspending.
• PRACTICE MINDFUL CONSUMPTION: Distinguish between your needs and wants. Make choices that align with your values and long-term financial plans.
Photo by: Mirjam Andersen
Empowering Communities
Lorena G.'s journey as a Filipino entrepreneur in Switzerland
By Donna Künzler
Images: Lorena Grospietsch-Laurel
In the picturesque landscapes of Switzerland, where the mountains kiss the sky and the rivers flow with a certain magic, one woman stands out not just for her entrepreneurial spirit but for her commitment to empowering others. Lorena Grospietsch-Laurel, or Lorena G. as she’s affectionately known, is a shining example of how a Filipino entrepreneur can thrive and make a difference in a foreign land. Her journey is a tapestry woven with dreams, challenges, and a deep-rooted desire to uplift her community.
FROM BANKING TO BUSINESS
wake in the day to find that all was vanity; but the dreamers of the day are dangerous, for they may act their dream with
a vibrant community embracing wellness together.
FACING CHALLENGES HEAD-ON
Lorena’s professional backdrop is as colorful and rich as the country she now calls home. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance from PUP, she began her career in Manila’s bustling banking sector. Her journey took a turn when she received an offer from Deutsche Bank AG in Zürich, where her role involved overseeing client backgrounds in credit, investments, and bank accounts. With 20 years of diverse experience across various departments—including General Management, Payments, and KYC— Lorena built a robust foundation for her next venture. Driven by the desire to become a “dangerous dreamer,” Lorena took the leap into entrepreneurship. “Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds
open eyes,” she recites, embodying the spirit of those who dare to dream big. Her leap led to the
“ THE DUAL EXPECTATIONS
OF
BEING A BUSINESS LEADER AND A PRIMARY CAREGIVER CAN BE OVERWHELMING.
Like many women in business, Lorena encountered unique challenges as an entrepreneur in Switzerland. Balancing work and family life often felt like a tightrope walk, a struggle many female entrepreneurs can relate to. “The dual expectations of being a business leader and a primary caregiver can be overwhelming,” she shares. Her mantra? Prioritization and delegation. By outsourcing tasks wherever possible, embracing technology, and setting clear boundaries, she managed to avoid burnout while staying true to her business vision. Moreover, Lorena confronted the paradox of leadership as a woman, where she was often labeled as either too soft or excessively assertive. However, her authenticity emerged as her greatest strength. “Lead with your unique style without trying to fit into predefined molds,” she emphasizes, proving that strength lies in being true to oneself.
establishment of JC Premiere GmbH, soon to be known as ELF 4 HEALTH GmbH, a direct-selling company focused on health and wellness products. This endeavor aims not only to cultivate better health practices but also to foster
Surrounding herself with supportive individuals has also contributed to her growth, encouraging continual learning and adaptation.
UPLIFTING THE SWISS FILIPINO COMMUNITY
Lorena’s influence extends beyond her own enterprises. Through her businesses, particularly ELF 4
HEALTH
GmbH and partnerships with Luxe Beauty and Wellness and SaladMaster, she has become a beacon of support for the Swiss Filipino community. “Health challenges are universal, and as such, adopting healthier lifestyles is crucial. Our products focus on organic health solutions, making them vital, especially following the pandemic,” she states, underscoring her commitment to community well-being.
Notably, SaladMaster offers innovative kitchen solutions that promote healthier cooking techniques, addressing the growing appetite for organic products in Switzerland. Lorena’s effort to raise awareness about healthful living means she is not just selling products; she is initiating a movement towards better health practices that resonate across cultures.
SUPPORTING FELLOW ENTREPRENEURS
As a board member of Switzerland Association of Filipino Entrepreneurs (S.A.F.E.), Lorena
is actively engaging in initiatives that elevate Filipino entrepreneurs in Switzerland. By creating platforms for showcasing Filipino products and services through trade fairs and pop-up markets, S.A.F.E assists entrepreneurs in increasing their visibility and customer outreach. “Navigating Swiss business regulations can be daunting. We provide resources and training to ease this transition,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of shared knowledge in building a sustainable entrepreneurial landscape.
Lorena’s initiatives illustrate her commitment to fostering a supportive ecosystem where Filipino entrepreneurs can thrive. By offering access to legal advice and operational guidance, she empowers her peers, reinforcing the notion that hand-in-hand, communities can rise.
WORDS OF WISDOM
For aspiring Filipino entrepreneurs eyeing opportunities abroad, Lorena’s advice is simple yet
profound: “Always have a plan. Live within your means, and don’t lose sight of your values.” She highlights the importance of humility, quality over quantity in friendships, and prioritizing personal growth and community over superficial success. “Prepare yourself mentally and put God first,” she concludes, revealing a mindset rooted in resilience and trust in a higher purpose.
Lorena G.’s journey as a Filipino entrepreneur in Switzerland embodies the spirit of empowerment and community. With each challenge faced, she has turned adversity into opportunity, proving that with determination, authenticity, and a commitment to lifting others, one can indeed weave a beautiful narrative of success. Her story is not just one of personal achievement; it is a call to all dreamers—dangerous or not—to chase their aspirations and uplift those around them, creating a vibrant community of empowered individuals.
Facing the Cancer Surge
Why early detection matters more than ever
By Dr. Melvin Sanicas, MD MSc MScID MBA FRSPH FRSA
Cancer is no longer just a medical condition—it is a growing global health concern. As more people around the world are diagnosed each year, it is becoming clear that cancer is not some distant possibility. It is something many of us will face personally, through someone we love or someone in our communities.
WHY IS CANCER BECOMING MORE COMMON?
There are a few key reasons:
1. WE ARE LIVING LONGER.
Cancer is mostly a disease of aging, and as life expectancy increases, so does the chance of developing cancer. Cancers like breast, prostate, and colorectal are much more common in older adults.
2. OUR LIFESTYLES HAVE CHANGED.
Unhealthy habits like smoking, heavy drinking, poor diet, physical inactivity, and being overweight raise cancer risk. Environmental factors—such as pollution and chemical exposure—also contribute.
3. WE ARE BETTER AT FINDING CANCER.
With improved medical technology and awareness, more cancers are being detected early. This is good news, but it also makes the numbers seem higher.
4. HEALTHCARE IS NOT EQUAL EVERYWHERE.
In many parts of the world, cancer is not found until it is already advanced. That leads to worse outcomes and higher mortality rates.
WHY EXPERTS SAY IT IS NOT "IF," BUT "WHEN"
In some countries, up to 1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. That is a startling number and it helps explain why many experts now believe that, for many of us, it is not a question of if we will encounter cancer, but when.
While genes play a role, most cancers are influenced by lifestyle, environment, and age. Even people with no family history can develop cancer. The uncertainty around when it might strike makes prevention and early detection more important than ever.
WHICH CANCERS HAVE SCREENING PROGRAMS?
Thankfully, there are well-established screening programs for several cancers:
• Breast cancer: Mammograms are recommended starting around age 40–50, depending on local guidelines.
• Cervical cancer: Pap smears and HPV tests for women aged 21–65.
• Colorectal cancer: Stool-based tests, colonoscopies, or blood tests for adults over 45.
• Lung cancer: Low-dose CT scans for highrisk individuals (usually heavy smokers aged 50–80).
• Prostate cancer: PSA blood tests may be offered based on personal risk (age, family history, race).
These tests are backed by medical evidence and have been shown to reduce deaths by catching cancer early—sometimes even before it starts.
WHY YOU SHOULD FOLLOW CANCER SCREENING RECOMMENDATIONS
1. EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES
Cancers caught early are much easier to treat. For instance, early-stage breast cancer has a 90% survival rate, compared to less than 30% when it’s found late.
2. SCREENING CAN PREVENT CANCER
Some tests do not just find cancer—they stop it. Colonoscopies can remove precancerous polyps, and HPV testing can lead to treatment before cervical cancer develops.
3. IT COSTS LESS—IN EVERY WAY
Catching cancer early reduces the need for expensive treatments like chemotherapy, surgery, or extended hospital stays. It also reduces emotional and physical stress.
4. IT IS TAILORED TO YOU
Modern screening takes into account your age, family history, and personal risk. You get the right test, at the right time.
5. IT HELPS CLOSE HEALTH GAPS
When more people get screened, it helps reduce inequalities—especially in communities that might not have access to early diagnosis otherwise.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Cancer is becoming more common—but it does not have to be a death sentence. Early detection can save your life. By following screening guidelines, you can catch problems early—or prevent them entirely. If you are unsure about which screenings are right for you, talk to your doctor. They can help guide you based on your health, family history, and risk factors. It is one of the simplest, smartest ways to protect your health— and the people who care about you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Melvin Sanicas is a physician-scientist with expertise in global health, immunology, and preventive medicine. He has been recognized internationally for his contributions to the fight against infectious diseases—including COVID-19, influenza, dengue, and tuberculosis. In 2021, he was awarded The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of the Philippines Award for Science and Medicine, and in 2024, he received the Pamana ng Pilipino Presidential Award for his significant contributions to global health. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health, a Fellow of the Royal Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
SPEAKING UP
A mission for more diversity in the media
By Marina Wetzlmaier
It’s a kind of cliché, but my initial motivation to become a journalist was my love for writing, complemented with a sense of justice and commitment. However, I now realize that being a journalist as a woman with migrant roots means a lot more. The Austrian media landscape is still white-dominated or even, when looking at the management level, white and male. This has an impact on how news coverage is done: What is considered
relevant, what is not? Who gets a say and who does not? It raises the question of who is represented in journalism. Do newsrooms really reflect society in all its facets? By whom and for whom is the media made?
WHO SPEAKS?
My personal mission is to use my work to stand up for others, to take up and report on the concerns and demands of people who are less privileged and who rarely
receive the public attention that I believe they deserve. I believe that everyone has a story to tell and that those affected are the experts of their own situation.
As my mother is from the Philippines and the community is important to me, I am very interested in how the Philippines and Filipinos are reported on. At the moment, for example, more Filipino nurses are being recruited to Austria, and there has been a lot of media interest. Unfortunately,
inadequate or even racist language has been used, and the community was not represented in many of the reports. I therefore considered it my duty to cover the topic myself, in hope of contributing to the debate.
As a journalist, I research the causes of social inequalities, but I also ask for solutions. I firmly reject the saying “Only bad news is good news.” With the way I tell stories, I want to convey perspectives and hope. This constructive approach may also be my own strategy for not losing optimism.
LACK OF BALANCE
Consuming the news every day is part of my job in order to stay informed. And that can be quite depressing. When certain topics are announced on TV or radio, I get nervous, stressed and even angry. Terms such as asylum, migration and integration trigger me, because I already know in advance in what negative contexts they are usually used: crime, alleged “unwillingness” to integrate, lack of German skills, etc. I am reluctant to reproduce these prejudices here again, but I ask myself: what added value does it have when the number of asylum applications is mentioned in the news without any further context or explanation? Why are racist statements by politicians broadcasted without critical classification—over and over again? Why are terms of extreme right-wing origin constantly repeated and thus normalized?
I am not talking about tabloids. What shocks me most is when prejudices are reproduced in quality mainstream media. Why can't you report on a certain ethnic group without always having to mention that there are criminals among them—even if the topic of the report has nothing to do
with crime at all? Is this part of the “objectivity” that is held so highly in journalism? Is this “balanced” reporting?
JOURNALISM WITH ATTITUDE
These questions concerned me and I needed answers. I talked to Simon Inou, a journalist from
“
Simon Inou encouraged me. But I also realized that there is a long way to go.
First of all, there has to be awareness that more diversity is needed in the newsrooms. Many editorial teams already pay attention to promoting women. However, the promotion
I CONSIDER MYSELF LUCKY AND I AM THANKFUL TO HAVE SEVERAL CULTURES WITHIN ME—THE FILIPINO AND THE AUSTRIAN.
Cameroon who has been living in Austria for over 20 years. He has worked for Austrian newspapers and also founded his own media outlets. He notes that there are many forms of discrimination in journalism: sexism, homophobia and racism. This is why journalism needs an anti-racist attitude. The conversation with
of future journalists with a migration biography is still in its infancy. Members of the second migrant generation in particular are claiming their spaces in different public spheres, including the media. There are a few specialized media projects, such as die chefredaktion, which see themselves as training
centres and stepping stones for young journalists from a migrant background.
TOPICS CLOSE TO THE HEART
I myself started journalism through editorial internships in daily newspapers and monthly magazines. For many years, I have been passionate about writing for Südwind magazine, a bi-monthly publication with a focus on the Global South. There I find the space for topics that are close to my heart, e.g. the civil society in the Philippines. The Philippines also brought me to Ö1, the most important culture and information radio station in Austria.
Because of my publications (and on the recommendation of Ralph Chan), I was invited to speak about the Philippine elections. I was already working at a local community radio station at the time, so I had some radio experience. My performance as a guest on the program and my journalistic background eventually led to an offer to work as a presenter at Ö1. I have been working there as a freelancer for two years now. It's a new job that
I'm grateful for, but it also comes with new challenges, moments of self-doubt and learning.
MIGRANT PERSPECTIVES
Incidentally, my biography corresponds to the results of a study on diversity in the Austrian media. This study was published in 2021 by the Media House Vienna, an institute that conducts research on current issues and perspectives in media and journalism. According to their findings, journalists with roots in non-German-speaking countries are mostly female and younger than their native Austrian colleagues. They are more likely to have a university degree and more likely to work freelance. In general, only 6 percent of all journalists in Austria have a non-Germanspeaking background. This is far lower than the general population, where this proportion is almost 24 percent.
However, diversity in the media not only requires persons with a corresponding background, but also greater sensitivity in editorial teams in general. They could interview more people with migrant roots: why not a teacher of Bosnian
origin, a doctor with Nigerian roots or a political scientist with a Filipino background? We need positive narratives and role models rather than stereotypes. I therefore started a podcast on migrant stories in order to move people from different origins and generations to the forefront— their worries, their opinions and their talents. I consider myself lucky and I am thankful to have several cultures within me—the Filipino and the Austrian. I try to integrate these perspectives into my work as a modest contribution to creating more diverse and antiracist journalism.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Marina Wetzlmaier works as a freelance journalist for mainly German-language magazines and radio stations.
LIFE AFTER 85
Lydia Deveras enjoys nature and socializing in Stockholm, Sweden
By Rachel Hansen
Euro-Pinoy seniors are increasing in number in Europe. We would like to highlight and honor their presence amongst us. In this new Life After 85 page, let us learn from them and be inspired by their lives. If you or someone you know would like to be featured on this page, please reach out. SWEDEN
WHEN AND WHY DID YOU COME TO SWEDEN?
I first came to Sweden in 1975 for holidays. In 1995, I decided to come back, get married and stay for good. I had several years of foreign assignments with the United Nations.
Q
WHAT WAS THE BEST THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN SWEDEN?
Well, I consider landing a good office job with SwedTel, an affiliate of Telia, as the best thing that happened to me, as I really enjoyed working with Swedes.
Q
THE BEST AND THE WORST USUALLY GOES HAND IN HAND. WHAT WAS THE WORST THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU?
After several years of being married, I had to divorce from my husband. It did not work for some reasons.
Q
HOW DO YOU KEEP YOURSELF PHYSICALLY FIT AND HEALTHY?
As you know, Stockholm, where I live, is surrounded by vast forests. I love walking a lot. Walking and picking mushrooms and berries in the forests during autumn is so wonderful. Walks in nature or parks as often as I could or just sitting in green areas and parks watching or socializing with friends. Listening to music, dancing with the music as a form of exercise, practicing mild yoga alone or with some groups, spending time in the library reading English newspapers and magazines. Yearly travels to the Philippines and several times to the USA to be with my siblings and their families.
Q
DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF WISDOM OR ADVICE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?
Life is how you make it.
Call for Contributors
Roots & Wings, the online Filipino magazine in Europe, founded in 2009, is looking for more voluntary contributors and country editors, especially in the following countries:
Italy, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Portugal, Malta, Greece, Poland, Turkey, Ireland
You do not need a degree in journalism, but you should enjoy writing, be flexible, open-minded, and curious, and have a good overview and friendly contacts with the Filipino community where you live.
If you'd like to be part of our happy and dynamic team, please send your CV and a writing sample to rawmags.rebecca@gmail.com
Photo by cottonbro studio via Pexels