Artist in Focus
DEAR KABABAYANS It’s a pleasure to welcome you to the summer 2013 issue of R&W. Summer in Europe is a favorite time of the year for many of us, for the bright warm weather feels very much like home. It is also that time of the year when Filipino life is celebrated to the hilt – usually starting with Flores de Mayo, Independence Day Parades, Barrio Fiestas, concerts, picnics in the park, endless barbecues, basketball tournaments, flower shows, outdoor theaters, retreats, reunions with family and friends from near and far… In line with our tradition to feature a diplomatic profile in every issue, we are honored to share with you, a glimpse in the life and tasks of H.E. Enrique A. Manalo, who in his capacity as our Ambassador to the Court of St James’s and Ireland, enthusiastically shares with us his insights and views about relations between the Philippines and the United Kingdom & Ireland.
Belgium in 1913. Discover why a tunnel was named after him in this second largest city in the Flemish region in Belgium.
Then we have a another young man, only fifteen years old Christian Angelo Schmettau who has been making waves with his musical prowess in his hometown in Costa Brava in We are extremely grateful for all the very Spain.. exciting articles contributed generously by our kababayans from all over Europe and We also have a new feature we call Careers from back home. We thank our guest writers Corner, where kababayans eagerly share with Ricky Francisco and Deborah Del Pan from us strategies on how they climbed the steep Manila, for bringing to us on pages 7 to 12, ladder to a European career. It is meant to the fascinating artworks of Tess Mapua, who inspire, and challenge us to aim even higher. is “letting go thru layering.” Thanks to Donna At the end of the day, it is perseverance, hard Manio for her article on Helena Alegre, whose work, and an optimistic attitude that will hand made out-of- this-world sculptural carry us through. As someone has said, the jewelries, inspired by nature, is something pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity, to marvel at. We are overwhelmed to meet the optimist sees opportunity in every Ver Cuizon, our untiring, daring, German- difficulty. based Art Impressario and his brain-child, the Kunst Gallery, and for his bringing Filipino We wish you a lot of sunshine this summer. artists to exhibit their artworks in Europe. Be Happy reading! inspired and find out more about the concept Mabuhay tayong lahat! of Filipinism. Read about the adventures of Timicheg, a young man from Bontoc, Mt Province, who Rachel Hansen participated in the World’s Fair in Ghent, rachel.hansen@ugatpakpak.com 6
Do you think the world is being manipulated?
Tess Mapua
Letting Go By Layering by Ricky Francisco and Deborah Del Pan 7