Roots & Wings Spring Issue 2011

T H E F I L I P I N O M A G A Z I N E I N E U RO P E

Roots&Wings CULTURE

Nr 6

• PEOPLE

• PLACES

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From the Editor It is always very exciting to put together Roots&Wings (R&W) for you. As we search for articles, we sometimes literally walk up and down the streets of Europe and the Philippines bumping into kababayans who tell us about other kababayans, whose life stories we share with you for source of inspiration and pride.

For instance, last January, as I was walking along Boni High Street, along the busy shops and countless restaurants leading to Serendra, this vibrant and exciting area in Bonifacio Global City, “the home of passionate minds” I saw this beautiful painting from the window of an art gallery, I was stunned by this déjà vu feeling all over me. “That’s our next artist!”

I found out later that her name is Maia Magpantay.

The friendly gallery owner of Artes Orientes, Mr. Rio Ambrosio, promptly arranged a lunch meeting with Maia the week after. While enjoying our lunch of organic tofu on sautéed kangkong, Maia narrated to me her life as a young female artist. Hard work and deep faith in God are Maia’s secrets to achieving her dreams.

Another day, while walking around at Rockwell Center, we bumped into another long-time friend, who has a friend, who thought that this friend will make a perfect partner for the “Places” section of R&W- another young, restless, fearless young lady, Maria V. Tajanlangit, with local travel, tourism and publishing running in her blood. After checking each others background, she is from Molo and I am from Jaro (neighboring towns in Iloilo City) we agreed to collaborate, Maria will arrange allinclusive local package tours to various attractive destinations, while R&W will endorse, promote, sell the Philippines in Europe based on Maria’s thoughtful and friendly packages. With hard work and deep faith in God we will toil hard to achieve this dream of bringing more European tourists to spend their holidays in the Philippines.

We have been asked – while we’re at it, why can’t we update our European readers with articles about Philippine celebrities, politics and economy? These

are real important issues. Well, we all know that celebrities eventually fade away, politics actually come and go, economies tend to go up and down.

So we will continue to write about things dearer to us, namely People, their true-to-life stories that touch and inspire us, Culture - which makes our life beautiful and meaningful, and Places - that renew, refresh and open our eyes to the beauty and majesty of our home country.

Filipinos in Europe, be proud, be thankful for you live in the best of both worlds!

Mabuhay tayong lahat!

Rachel Hansen - Publisher/Editor in chief

rachel.hansen@ugatpakpak.com 3

Rachel Hansen Publisher/Editor in Chief

DengValera-Larsen Bureau Editor Copenhagen, Denmark

Josephine Lareza Bureau Editor Milan, Italy

Evelyn Mendoza Executive assistant

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Jonathan A Coo Associate Editor

Luz Bergersen Associate Editor

Geraldine Wisniewski Associate Editor

Yoko R Vingno

Karlene Hayworth

Michael Cu

Bureau Editor Athens, Greece

Bureau Editor London, U.K.

Bureau Editor Brussels, Belgium

Nicole Bataclan Bureau Editor Zurich, Switzerland

Nanette Medrano

Editorial Assistant Manila

Jenny Hansen Layout Editor

Cora Lembke Bureau Editor Hamburg, Germany

John Florencio

Aina Bauer

Denissa G.Venturanza

Bureau Editor Paris, France

Copy Editor

Advertising Director

ReneĂŠ S.Ikdal Representative

Mindanao Correspondent

Hanna Stenbacka Youth Editor

Jeff Almonte

Ivee B Hidvegi Bureau Editor Stockholm, Sweden

W E. Mateo Jr. Visayas Correspondent

New staff members Geraldine “Gerry” Wisniewski Associate Editor Geraldine “Gerry” Wisniewski was born in Quezon City, Philippines. She is a technology, media and telecoms PR specialist who has driven UK and international communications campaigns for clients including HP, Microsoft, Symantec, Toshiba and Virgin Media Business.

Gerry holds a BA (Hons) in English Language & Literature from King’s College London and also has a Certificate in Advertising and Marketing from Martram College, London. She was nominated one of the UK's top 50 PR professionals under 29 by PR Week in 2006.

Denissa G.Venturanza Advertising Director Denissa earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts at St. Paul College of Manila (SPCM) and International Affairs at New York University (NYU). For seventeen (17) years, she has worked for the Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC) and considered one of those who successfully spearheaded the Countertrade Program of the Philippines.

A well travelled executive who now formed her own consulting firm, CTO GLOBALNET MANAGEMENT SERVICES, specializes in international trading and represents several companies from Europe and Asia. She is presently based in the Philippines.

How to Subscribe Dear Kababayans!

Roots&Wings is a quarterly magazine. The easiest way to get your copies is by subscribing.

Your four copies will be delivered straight to your doorstep, wherever you live in Europe.Very convenient & environment friendly!

To sign up, simply email your: Name & Delivery Address to rachel.hansen@ugatpakpak.com

Subscription price 16 EUR 160 kr in Scandinavia £16 in the UK Method of Payment: PayPal or Bank Giro (details provided when you sign up)

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Subscribe Now! 5

Roots&Wings

A quarterly magazine for Filipinos in Europe Head Office in Stockholm, Sweden Published by Rachel Publishing Co.

For Inquiries, Subscription, Comments, please email Rachel Hansen at rachel.hansen@ugatpakpak.com or rachel_darlings@yahoo.com

IN THIS ISSUE 24

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Our Cover: Fish vendors, 24 inches in diameter, by Maia Magpantay Oil on canvas, 2009

8 Maia - feature artist 14 Cultural Coups by Jonathan A Coo

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Pinoy Radio UK

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The winners of R&W Short Story Writing Contest

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The Peace Talks in Oslo

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Guimaras Island

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Waking up to a dream - in Palawan

24 Leila Florentino - a singer in Paris 28 Tessie Ruutu - a pianist in Helsinki 38 Neil Etheridge - a football player in England

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Culture

Author Miguel Syjuco and Aina Bauer, R&W Copy Editor, in Stockholm

Miguel Syjuco mesmerizes Stockholm When Miguel Syjuco, the much celebrated author of the highly acclaimed book “Ilustrado” visited Stockholm last November, the International Writer’s Stage at the Culture House was packed with journalists, literary critics and book-lovers.

Swedish literary critics were overwhelmingly positive and Syjuco is already mentioned as a possible Nobel Prize winner in the future. “The star from the Far East shining brightly in the West”, “Ilustrado conquers the world”, “With real star quality” were some of the headlines in the Daily News and the Swedish Daily.

Gabriella Håkansson, a literary critic at the Swedish Daily (Svenska Dagbladet) wrote: “Syjuco’s love for literature is difficult to miss. He knows how to tell a story – the extraordinary, the burdensome about his country – and the wild experimental lust should be forgiven him. The theme of identity flowing from the start to the end stretches beyond ethnicities, the effect is universal”.

Jan Eklund, writing for the Daily News (Dagens Nyheter) described his meeting with Syjuco: “He was impeccably dressed and polite, shoes polished, lilac shirt under a grey suit, a handkerchief neatly folded in his breast pocket. He is small in structure but has a distinctive appearance. One can sense a man behind the boyish expression”.

“Here is a young man who, not so long ago, was flat broke and now being interviewed by Time Magazine and The New York Times, hopping around the world to talk about his book. This has never before happened to a first time writer in the history of Philippine literature”.

Lena Kalmteg, another writer for the Swedish Daily (Svenska Dagbladet) wrote: “To describe the book as OK is an understatement.

Ilustrado has been released in many countries and translated into many languages, critics happily licking their mouths and comparing Syjuco to literary giants like Jorge Luis Borges, Roberto Bolano and Paul Auster.

Miguel Syjuco’s first novel Ilustrado is a recipient of the following awards: - Man Asian Literary Prize 2008 - Palanca Grand Prize 2008 - QWF (Quebec Writers’ Federation) Paragraphe Hugh MacLennan Prize for Fiction 2010 Quebec’s top literary prize - Finalist – Grand Prize du Livre de Montreal 7

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Harana 20x15 inches 2009

Feature Artist

Maia

A Palette in the Hands of God

By Rachel Hansen

It was Maia’s mother who first saw her extraordinary passion for painting. In 1981, when she was barely four years old, before she could read or write, her mother decided to buy her a blackboard, to keep her away from painting all the walls around their house. Every time they had visitors, Maia would sketch portraits of their visitors on that blackboard. She would rather spend time with grown ups, listening to their conversations, than play with other children her age. Her parents have no idea where she got her artistic talents - they do not know of any painters or artists in the family, they would rather sing and dance, when the occasion presents itself, except for Maia who thought she had two left feet and a voice far from mellow.

Marilyn Macahito Magpantay, or “Maia” as she is fondly called, was born in Angono, Rizal, on February 21, 1977, the eldest of three daughters of Mario Magpantay from Cuenca, Batangas and Alicia Macahito, from Eastern Samar. Growing up in Angono, Rizal, where Maia and her family still live up to now, there is a town fiesta every November where one of the highlights is the Angono Festival Art Exhibition.

As a little girl, Maia would go with her uncle to these exhibitions and the exposure to the rich array of talents and tremendous creativity inspired Maia even more, so that at a very young age, she knew that one day she too would become an artist and have her own exhibitions.

But the road to her artistic ambition proved to be paved with thorny bushes. When Maia finished High School, her parents told her that they could not afford to send her to higher education, besides she was only a girl, she would get married and become a plain housewife like the rest. In a moment of utter desperation, Maia ran away from home. Armed with lots of prayers and determination, she tried to get a job hoping to make enough money to pay for her studies. She eventually reconciled with her parents, who relented and reached a compromise with her – she must study Bachelor of Fine Arts in Advertising, not Creative Art or Painting, which was equivalent to hunger and poverty. When Maia graduated at Far Eastern University with a BFA degree in Advertising in October 1998, she thought of it as sheer miracle. It was the proudest moment in her parents’ lives.

Maia recalls that it was tough being a poor student, with the meager baon or allowance that she had, she would save every centavo she could spare, to buy art materials so she could give vent to her itching fingers which were always eager to paint. Her friends and classmates would buy her lunch or merienda, in exchange for the help with their own artistic ambitions.

Maia would even consciously choose her art teacher, the ones who could help her get into art competitions.

Because jobs were impossible to get, even with a BFA degree, Maia decided to create a job for herself, with 9

Feature Artist

Marilyn “Maia” Magpantay

Achievements • Outstanding Youth of Angono, 2007 • Award of Recognition, Municipality of Angono, 2004 • 2nd Place, On-the-Spot Boat Painting Competition, 2004 • Honorable Mention, AAP Annual Art Competition, 2003 10

• 1st Runner Up, Concrete Aggregates Open Art Competition, 003 • Semi Finalist, Devoir 1st Art Competition, 2003 • Finalist, Letras y Figuras, 2003 • Finalist, Filipino Soul Art Competition, 2003 • Finalist, Concrete Aggregates Open Art Competition, 2002

Feature Artist

her inborn talents and deep sense of purpose, she created bill-board signs, streamers, school and sports logos for T-shirt printings. She would prepare her own canvasses and frames, designing, sawing, hammering alone under the heat of the scorching sun...

At first, Maia’s mother did not like her artwork. She did not understand why Maia did not put faces on her subjects. Maia would just smile gently and continue with her work. When people started buying Maia’s artworks and paintings and money started coming in, her mother would smile back at her with wonder and amazement.

When Maia became a member of Angono Ateliers Association, opportunities to develop, express and sharpen her skills to the utmost presented itself

furthermore. It was then that Maia decided to devote her time in pursuing her career as a full time artist.

But the road was rocky to say the least. Being very young and a woman, there was this classic challenge to conquer. Discrimination was hanging heavily in the air. One of her mentors exclaimed “What do you expect Maia? This is a man’s world!” But Maia persevered, she stayed on, becoming the Associations Vice President after seven years. No time to rest on her laurels. Maia felt the time was ripe to move on to greater challenges.

Maia had her first solo exhibit at Pioneer East Tower Globe Telecom lobby on 2005. It was a soft opening exhibit, no cocktails, no invitation, no publicity. But Maia got her first ten commission work there. Her second solo exhibit entitled “PALETA” was at Phil-Am Life, in United Nations Avenue, in Manila followed by her third solo exhibition at Artes Orientes, entitled “AT

Pandanggo sa Ilaw 20x40 inches 2008

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Feature Artist

WORK AND AT PLAY”. Mr Rio Ambrosio, the gallery owner of Artes Orientes was the very first gallery that helped boost her career further.

Maia believes that any work of art has its own life, it is the artist’s deep emotional expression. In every creative work, the artist herself is being revealed and laid bare. Nothing is hidden, nothing is banal, just this profound conviction that what you are looking at is a homage to life itself. And life is being celebrated in myriads of ways.

Some adversities still cross Maia’s path as an artist.

Sometimes there is no money coming in, her paintings do not sell, people can be critical for no reason, some

even called her work pipitsugin, or useless. One’s self belief can be forever shattered; sometimes it is a case of survival of the fittest, enough to make Maia sometimes think of giving up her career.

But because Maia has this strong conviction that she is only a palette in the hands of God, that without her deep faith she is nothing, she intends to continue working and developing her art. With kind support and encouragement from fellow artists, taking their advice seriously, learning from them how to deal with practical and emotional issues artists encounter, and always feeling thankful and grateful for this gift she can share. To glorify the Lord with her artistic talents is indeed a path Maia finds worth pursuing.

Maia paints from her imaginations - she works her way to stylize expressionism in figurative mode, skillfully rendering it with her favorite tool which is the palette knife, best suited in the process of expressing her craft. Her pieces are about the celebration of life that communicates an emotional content without losing touch of Filipino sensibilities. She gathers inspiration from the simplicity and beauty of rural life and the environment she is exposed to. Her own guiding stars are the works and success of people around her, Ang Kiukok’s passion for his art, Nemiranda’s hard work and dedication in promoting art in their town of Angono. And even the life story of Oprah, with her stubborn determination to achieve great successes against all odds.

Maia intends to strive harder to become a better artist and human being, to inspire and help others. On a more practical level, she dreams of owning a house of her own and to drive her own car. Maia would like to travel around Europe, to look around, study, be inspired. With God holding her hands and guiding her eyes, Maia is an artist to watch.

Some of the paintings featured in these pages can still be acquired.

If you are interested, please contact Mr Rio Ambrosio at Artes Orientes, The Shops at Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines, (632) 8569047 or +63 917 5230877 Or email rio_ambrosio@yahoo.com

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Panigang 36x48 inches 2007

Unconditional love 24x36 inches 2009

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Culture

Cultural coups

Former Miss Universe leads Ballet Philippines

By Jonathan Arevalo Coo

Who would imagine Margie Moran-Floirendo as President of a 41-year old dance company.

From her role as an arts patron in Mindanao, Margie is one of the few beauty queens who has chosen the path of the fine arts instead of the entertainment or showbiz limelight.

In her opening remarks at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Margie emphasized that the evening’s “proceeds fund the Ballet Philippines’ Arts Appreciation program.

Through this program, public school students spend a magic-filled day as they are brought to the CCP to enjoy the ballet and a post-show treat of a burger meal and meet and greet with [the] artists.”

to portraying the cornerstones of our culture and incredible talent to even more people. We appeal to your generous heart to continue to support us- be a Donor or Subscriber and together let’s set our country’s dance art to greater heights…”

Margie Moran-Floirendo

She adds, “Your generosity will be an everlasting memory and hallmark in the lives of young students…

Our deepest appreciation to those who continue to support us because they believe that art centers us as people…As we enter our 42nd year, we look forward 14

Don Quixote was indeed a work worth restaging.

Kitri and Basilio on the Gala performances were fellow alumni from my alma mater, the Philippine High School for the Arts (Candice Adea) and The Harid Conservatory (Connor Walsh). [The Harid Conservatory used to be two divisions- Dance and Music.

The Music Division where I finished is now part of Lynn University.]

On March 18-20, a rare performance of song and dance awaits the supporters of Ballet Philippines.

Neo Filipino:Kabaret will be presented at the Arts in Taguig City, Fort Bonifacio. For inquiries email: info@balletphilippines.org. The 42nd season starts in August at the CCP with the theme ‘Encantada.’

Culture

Cultural coups

Top Choir is UNESCO’s Artists for Peace The Philippine Madrigal Singers is the only Philippine choir who has twice garnered the highest recognition in the world (1997 and 2007). Before winning the Grand Prix, each choir has to win from one of the seven countries (now six- Arezzo, Italy; Debrecen, Hungary;Maribor,Slovenia;Tolosa,Spa in; Tours,France;Varna,Bulagaria). And the Madz (as they are popularly called) has reached the ultimate competition and won.

Last year, during our tour of Kundiman and

Klasiko, this group was also in Europe. For two years, the Philippine Madrigal Singers [The Madz], ambassadors of culture and goodwill, serves as the official representative of UNESCO as Artists for Peace.

In Manila, you can watch them almost every day. In a span of one week, this world champion choir was singing for two nights at the CCP (from Jean-Yves Daniel Lesur’s Le Cantique des Cantiques to a concert with priests on Valentine’s day, followed by a lectureperformance on Filipino and Foreign Folk Songs at the Philamlife Theater to an outdoor concert at the 15

Culture

Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City.

Both Madz and BP (Ballet Philippines) have also contributed to the latest cultural hub in Metro ManilaArts in Taguig City. The Madz Music School can even offer Kulintang and World Music Cultures classes.

Fort Bonifacio Global City in Taguig is the city next to Makati’s Forbes and Dasmarinas Villages. A haven where even yours truly and R&W Editor in Chief have met a couple of times discussing about future projects and artistic endeavors.

Indeed, the universe has been infiltrated by Filipinos who can make a difference in culture! from http://www.unesco.org/ UNESCO Artists for Peace

UNESCO Artists for Peace are internationallyrenowned personalities who use their influence, charisma and prestige to help promote UNESCO’s message and programmes. UNESCO works with these distinguished personalities in order to heighten public awareness regarding key development issues and to inform the public what our Organization’s action is in these fields.

The following personalities are currently designated UNESCO Artist for Peace: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Franghiz Ali-Zadeh Amri Aminov Relja Bašic Shirley Bassey Marisa Berenson Chico Bouchikhi Brenz Band Sayon Camara Lauren Child China Disabled People’s Performing Art Troupe Joaquín Cortés Manu Dibango Céline Dion Earthsavers DREAMS Ensemble Montserrat Figueras Frankétienne Gilberto Gil Juan Luís Guerra

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Members of the Philippine Madrigal Singers

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Valery Guerguiev Zaha Hadid Alain Husson-Dumoutier Sumi Jo Missa Johnouchi Dani Karavan Marcel Khalifé Countess Setsuko Klossowska de Rola Titouan Lamazou Gong Li Tania Libertad The Philippine Madrigal Singers Serguei Markarov Maria de Medeiros Ino Mirkovic N. Scott Momaday Georges Moustaki Mariana Nicolesco Eijin Nimura Prince Twins Seven-Seven Bibi Russell Jordi Savall Márta Sebestyén Vladimir Spivakov Boris Trajanov Patricia Velásquez Venezuela Children Symphonic Orchestra Gérard Voisin World Orchestra for Peace Miyako Yoshida

People

Reneé S. Ikdal

New Philippine Honourary Consul General in Stavanger Ms. Renee S. Ikdal was sworn in by H.E. Ambassador Elizabeth P. Buensuceso as the Philippines’ Honourary Consul General in Stavanger, on 18th Jnauary 2011, at the Philippine Embassy in Oslo.

Ms. Renee S. Ikdal brings to the position many years of solid and valuable experience. A certified public accountant, she holds a BSBA from the UP Dilliman, and a Masters in Business Economics from the University of Asia in the Pacific. A long time resident in Stavanger, she is active in community and church affairs, having been president of the Filipino Association in Rogaland (FAR) for many years. She leads the catholic church choir.

With the establishment of the Consulate, the Philippines

Renee sorrounded by her three children

is able to provide much needed consular services to a broader public in the Stavanger region, considered the oil capital of Norway, housing the headquarters of Statoil, the Norwegian state oil company, and foreign oil companies. Aside from Filipinos who have made Stavanger their home for many years, there are many new Filipino arrivals to the region– mostly Filipino engineers, those in health care services, au pairs, and others.

The oath-taking ceremony was witnessed by Embassy staff, and Ms.Ikdal’s three highly accomplished children: Irene, who is an art historian and museum curator; Joel, an executive at DnB Bank Norway, and Adam, who is Managing Director of Boston Consulting Norway (see photos).

Renee being sworn into office by Ambassador Elizabeth Buensuceso

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“Blessed is the leader who seeks the best for the people they serve�

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People

An interview

H.E. Ambassador Elizabeth P Buensuceso

By Luz Bergersen

“You are a blessing”... It is one thing to talk of official accomplishments, but touching the lives of many with her burning Christianity is something extraordinary…’You are a blessing’, is the farewell song sung by teary-eyed Filipinos in the many farewell parties given for the Ambassador. –“A leader who is empowered, a servant by heart, thank you for your words of strength, courage, and inspiration”…-Though many were sad upon news that Ambassador Elizabeth Buensuceso was leaving, they seem to feel a great confidence that is not goodbye, but ‘so long’ to our beloved Amba.. “God’s love will follow you and stay with you..”

HE Ambassador Elizabeth P Buensuceso leaves her post to return to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Manila. It had been an eventful two years, full of loving memories. Roots&Wings is grateful for the opportunity to have an interview with the Ambassador.

Ambassador, you are leaving after your tour of duty as Philippine Ambassador to Norway, Denmark and Iceland. How would you sum up your stay in this part of the world?

We will have stayed in Norway a little over two years.

Normally, a tour of duty is 3 years but I stayed in my last post for more than 4 years so that compensates for the year I was supposed to have spent in Norway.

My singular most important achievement is having survived with flying colors two and a half Norwegian winters ! Hahahaha!

But we shall be leaving with beautiful and fond memories of Norway, Denmark and Iceland. We will always remember the snowy mountain peaks, the green and scenic countryside and the warmth and love with which we were embraced by the people, both Norwegians and Filipinos. We made a great number of friends here and we will continue to be in touch with them. We will invite them to the Philippines and extend the friendships we started here.

I am most impressed by the sense of egalitarianism and the transparency of government transactions. Despite the natural tendency of people to exhibit racial, gender, and other kinds of discrimination, Norwegian society sees to it that everyone has access to equal education, employment, social services and other facilities irrespective of their gender, age and status in life.

Being Ambassador to three countries at the same time must be quite a challenge. Please give us a brief insight into Filipino-Norwegian/ Danish-Icelandic relations?

The Philippines and Norway enjoy robust and cordial relations in all three pillars of Philippine foreign policyeconomic, political and people-to- people cooperation.

The maritime sector is one of the most important aspects of RP-Norway bilateral relations, dating back to the 1900's. Today, Norwegian ship owners employ approximately 35,000 Filipino seafarers in shipyards or on board Norwegian-owned or controlled vessels, a testimonial to the trust and confidence which Norwegian ship-owners have placed over the years for 19

People

Filipino seafarers. Despite the global economic crisis that ravaged the shipping industry in 2008 and 2009, this area of employment has not slackened. Filipino seafarers benefit as well from the education and training provided by sophisticated Norwegian maritime training schools in the Philippines. Norwegian shipowners have been building and repairing vessels in Philippine shipyards. Many companies engaged in the maritime sector have put up offices in the Philippines.

Renewable energy. With the purchase in 2007 of the Magat and Ambuklao and Binga hydroelectricity plants by SN Power and their Filipino partner, the Aboitiz group, cooperation in the area of renewable energy between the two countries should continue.

New areas of commercial cooperation include aquaculture, telecommunications, the petroleum sector and the use of IT in outsourcing. There has also been a marked increase in the number of Norwegian tourists visiting the Philippines.

There is an increasing number of Filipinos in Norway, now home to over 12,000 hard-working and highly educated Filipinos. In addition to Filipinos who have intermarried with Norwegians, there are at least 900 licensed Filipino nurses, over a hundred oil engineers employed mostly in offshore projects in the western coast of Norway and Filipinos or Norwegians of Filipino descent working in the government sector, diplomatic missions and NGO's and commercial establishments.

Norway is also playing a significant role as a thirdparty facilitator between GOP and the CCP-NDF-NPA, in the Philippine government's efforts to find a lasting solution in the peace process. Both countries have also supported each other in the United Nations and other fora, especially in the areas of human rights, gender equality and global peace.

In Denmark, 2009 saw a new Philippine Ambassador.

We have presented credentials and had audience with Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II..On this occasion we had the opportunity to discuss economic cooperation between our two countries, and the Queen had expressed sympathies for the victims of the twin typhoons that ravaged the country the same year.

We have also met with Danish businessmen and officials to discuss further economic relations and the 20

advancement of issues that are of mutual interest to our two countries; among others, the Danish au pair scheme, and the proposed Social Security Agreement).

We made official calls to various Danish agencies, both public and private, to promote the Philippines and further strengthen the six decades-long friendship shared by both countries.

In particular we have met with AP Møller-Maersk Group of Companies, one of the most respected in the world in the field of container shipping and logistics, energy exploraiton and produciton,ship building, retail and manufacturing. We have discussed with APM about expanded activities an dinvestments in the Philippines, hiring of officers up to captain level as well as oil engineers in offhsor exploraiton, just as Norway has done. They are extremely ssatisfied with the high level of proficiency, skill an discipline of Filipino seafarers.

In June 22-23 2009, Denmark co-sponsored the 7th ASEM Conference on Counter-Terrorism which the Philippines hosted in Manila. Counter-terrorism is high on the agenda of the Danish government, especially after September 11th.

In 2009 the Philippine Honourary Consulate was reopened in Copenhagen, with Mr.Paul Krogh, a businessman, as RP’s newest Honourary Consul in Denmark. With this we are able to provide much needed consular services to a broader public in Denmark.

In Iceland, upon presentation of credentials to President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, we had the opportunity to discuss various topics, from Philippine food, of which the President is a fan, to prospects of recovery for Iceland, and continued cooperation in geothermal energy and the fisheries sector. These are among Iceland’s fundamental strengths, also areas wherein RP is competitive.

Iceland has investment in geothermal eneggy exploration and development, particularly in Biliran, Leyte, thorugh the Reykjavik energy Invest. This is in full swing, inpsite of the recent developments.

We learned that the economic crisis that hit the country had also affected the Filipino community, wit cases of lay-offs, decline in their monthly incomes due to the

People

steep decline of the Icelandic krona. Just the same, the decline in unemployment among Filipinos was less than the general avergae. This shows that the work and services being done by Filipinos, who work in fishing, food factories, health service and domestic help- are essential, primary, and vital to Iceland’s economic and social well-being.

There had been restrictions on currency exchange and remittances, however, we were able to suggest to the authorities to allow some remittance for Filipinos, for a period of time.

What are the special areas of cooperation in these countries, and/or what areas are worth pursuing, etc.?

Aside from our extensive cooperation in maritime matters and people-to-people contact, the new opportunities in Renewable Energy and transfer of technology, in addition to the promotion of IT services of which the Philippines is gaining a huge foothold in the biggest global markets. The areas of geothermal, hydro-electric energy, and solar and wind power are areas that promise exciting opportunities between the Phil and the three countries. Our prospective partners are also excited about the potential of the Philippines in the renewable energy sectors.

Au Pairs. After 16 years of uncertainty and exposure of au pairs to corruption and misery, we were able to harmonize the policies of the governments of the Philippines, Norway and Denmark, enabling the Philippines to lift the ban on the deployment of au pairs to these countries. We have also undertaken initiatives to facilitate the entry of medical workers in both countries and have made important inroads.

This should be pursued, because despite the obstacles, I believe that the welfare of the people should be first and foremost in the agenda of governments.

How do you view the Filipino communities in these countries?

The Filipino communities in the three countries are a source of pride and joy to me. As I said in my Christmas message, the highlight of my stint in Scandinavia is the miraculous coming together of the various Filipino organizations in Norway and Denmark under one umbrella. The avowed objectives of the two federations-lift up the image of the Philippines and Filipinos in these countries, rush to the rescue of their distressed countrymen in the Philippines, be a source of help and inspiration among their compatriots in

these countries, all for the glory of God, are goals and visions that any mother can be proud of. Under this spirit of unity and charity, Filcom Norway and Filcom Denmark have accomplished many projects and goals that are the envy of other communities.

Where are you going from here, the prospects for the future?

Our normal routine is to go back to the Home Office in the Department of Foreign Affairs for about two years, and work in any of the offices there , e.g, Office of ASEAN Affairs, or Office of European Affairs. After this, God willing, we can be posted again to another country for further term of 6 years. But I have always relied on the Lord for my future because I firmly believe that the He knows the plans He has for me, plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me a good future (Jeremiah 29:11)

Your message to the Filipino communities.

I would like to express my joy and gratitude to the Filipino communities in Norway,. Denmark and Iceland, for your sincere friendship and your kind hearts, your enthusiasm to help others in need, and your eagerness to rise above your personal circumstances in order to be of service to God and your country. Thank you all so very much.

I pray that we may be able to nurture this friendship that is not only mutually beneficial but is ennobling and encouraging. I invite you to visit me in my office or my home whenever you visit the Philippines. there is, of course, always the internet- Facebook and emailto help us connect.

You are also especially known for 'a burning Christianity'

I am like a Mother who has found the Bread of LifeJesus Christ-, the kind of food that satisfies. If you have this bread of Life, you will not hunger anymore.

What kind of a mother would just sit by and watch her children die and waste away their lives and not tell them where to find this Living Bread and have a victorious lie amidst life's trials and suffering? What kind of a mother will just keep to herself the way out of death and the way to eternal life? And the end might come soon and many others still live in darkness. This explains my 'burning desire' for people to know about Jesus. For He is the Way, the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through Him. 21

Report from Denmark

First Round of Social Security Agreement Negotiations Between the Philippines & Denmark - A Resounding Success

Signing the contract are Mr. de Quiros, CEO, Philippine Social Security System (SSS) and Ms. Lone Henriksen, CEO Danish Social Security System(?). Also present at the contract signing were other members of Philippine Delegation of Social Security System: Ms. Judy Frances A. See, Senior Vice President, Program Management Group, Social Security System; Ms. Consuelo D. Manansala, Executive Vice President for Operations, Government Service Insurance System; Atty. Grace M. Tan, Labor Arbiter, Department of Labor and Employment; Ms. Lenna Eilleen C. de Dios-Sison, Third Secretary & Vice Consul of the Philippine Embassy in Oslo, Norway; Mr. Poul Krogh, Philippine Honorary Consul General, Philippine Honorary Consulate General, Copenhagen, Denmark.

The first round of negotiations for a Social Security Agreement (SSA) between the Republic of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Denmark was concluded successfully, a half-day earlier than previously scheduled, on 01 February 2011, with both parties agreeing to meet in Manila at the soonest time possible in order to finalize and sign the much-awaited agreement.

The Philippine Delegation (PhilDel), headed by Philippine Social Security System President and CEO Emilio S. de Quiros, Jr., met with its Danish 22

counterparts at the premises of the Danish Ministry of Employment from 31 January to 01 February 2011 fully prepared for the negotiations which were held in a cordial, professional and cooperative atmosphere.

The SSA, once signed, will guarantee, among other things, the portability of pensions of qualified Filipino and Danish nationals, taking into consideration applicable Philippine and Danish laws, legislations and guidelines.

Meanwhile, both parties agreed to finalize the required

Report from Denmark

Administrative Arrangements and other applicable forms through electronic communication as soon as possible.

Some few remaining areas of clarification in the draft SSA will be tackled during the final meeting in Manila prior to its signing.

On 30 January, the Philippine Delegation also met with leaders of the Filipino Community in Denmark at the residence of Philippine Honorary Con. Gen Poul Krogh to brief them on the said negotiations and to receive feedback from the latter regarding the subject matter. Discussions were lively and the meeting was concluded on a positive note with the Filipino community leaders expressing happiness and gratitude for this much-awaited SSA. Government-to-government talks were initiated by the Philippine Government as far back as 1999 and again in 2006 when a precedent to harmonize some aspects of the pension or social security systems between the Philippines and Denmark was made possible by an SSA between the governments of Denmark and the US. Mr. de Quiros and his Danish counterpart, Ms. Lone Henriksen, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the negotiations and looked forward to its signing in Manila within the year.

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Culture

In A Parisian Café With Broadway’s

Leila Florentino

By John Florencio

Leila and Dennis

Born in Quezon City to renowned playwright Alberto Florentino (“The World is an Apple”) and art curator Eva Florentino, Leila emerged from the ranks in 1992 when she took over Lea Salonga’s historic run on Broadway. “I just wanted to be in the chorus, but my break came when the late Vinny Lift, who was a well-loved talent agent in New York City, rallied for me to be the next Miss Saigon. It meant a lot to me that he believed in what I was capable of as an actress.

They made sure I was prepared for the audition.” she confides. “That whole process took a year.” Just making the shortlist for such a production was like a 24

camel going through a needle’s eye, the competition cut-throat. Agent submissions to the creative team included established actresses Monique Wilson, Maya Barredo and Aura Deva, most having strong theatre backgrounds with Repertory Philippines. Miss Saigon, it is worthy to note, that as of August 2010, is still the 10th longest running Broadway musical in musical theatre history. Leila, who did not train to be an actress but a ballet dancer, made it to the top of that list and went on to play the vocally demanding role of Kim, a young, but strong-willed bar girl in war-torn Vietnam, until she left the show in 1993 to get married to French

Culture

actor Christian Aubert, whom she met in Los Angeles.

The New York Times style section chronicled the event in its September 4, 1993 issue: “The couple will marry this morning on the stage of the Broadway Theater, the home of "Miss Saigon," with Mayor David N. Dinkins officiating. At 8 P.M., she will go on stage for her final performance. (Another actress will perform the role at the matinee.) “But that was so long ago.” she says with a faint embarrassment in her voice.

Since then, Leila’s passions have blossomed: writing songs, recording, performing, drawing and teaching.

She released an album in 2006 titled “Sail” that features her songwriting chops in some of the tracks such as: “Happiness Is Real”, “Freedom” and “Cold, Cold Heart”.

In 2010, she moved to Paris with her husband and daughter, founding the Leila Florentino International School of Voice. Soon after unpacking, she was back on stage with her friends, singer and actor Dennis Astorga and her pianist Patrick Laviosa in a concert series called “Simply Broadway” at the intimate Theatre de Nesle in the 6th arrondissement, singing once again songs from Les Miserables, Nine, Spring Awakening, Billy Elliott, Wicked and Miss Saigon.

“What can I say about Paris without sounding cliché?

It is such an amazingly beautiful city and the perfect setting to inspire young artists.” She beams with pride reflecting on her students’ progress. “I teach beginning piano to younger kids as well as vocal performance to adults. I find great satisfaction in helping them learn about music, perhaps finding themselves in the process.”

Coming from a prominent artistic family yielded auspicious lives in the performing arts for the Florentino daughters. “My parents were a huge influence in our becoming artists.” she says of herself and her three sisters. “My older sister Lisa, who trained at Manhattan School of Music as an opera singer, teaches voice in her studio in Portland, Oregon.

Sonya writes songs and poetry, and Angeli, who also sings, live in New York. “I am so proud of them.” She continues, “I discovered a love of film through my father, who was a serious film buff; he had quite a film library. It was in this manner that I took hints from great actors and directors. My mother, as a result of her work, would host artists all the time in our house.” she recalls warmly of her upbringing.

Curious as to what kind of advice she could give to young actors who dream of success in such a competitive industry, I ask her. She replies without skipping a beat, “Pursue your dreams, especially 25

Culture

if you’re passionate about the arts. You have to be prepared, however, it is not easy. There are quite a few sacrifices that need to be made. There are periods when you have to learn how to live with very little.

I just don’t want my students to live with the ‘what if’s’ for the rest of their lives because they didn’t attend to their passion.” She also notes that she has known many exceptionally talented artists in her career who never got the recognition they deserved. “I feel very blessed.” she says humbly. “The business of theatre is a rather complicated one and it takes a strong character to survive it.” I nod in agreement.

Leila says that she feels more Filipino than ever since moving to Paris despite that, as a teenager she did not necessarily associate herself with labels like American, Asian, or being a woman. “I’ve always felt like so many things, but I sincerely love the Filipino culture: the people, the smiles, the warmth, the cuisine.” Based on a brief conversation about Filipino food and cooking, I gather that she can make a mean adobo. “I use a lot of garlic.” She proceeds to tell me, “My mother was here visiting a few weeks ago and she, like a typical Filipino mother was in the kitchen a great deal of the

26

time. I may have gained some weight because of it.”

We both chuckle.

The future is wide-open for this soft-spoken, humble, unassuming and remarkably beautiful woman sitting in front of me at this quaint little Parisian café on Rue du Commerce in the 15th arrondissement. In closing she says, “I would like to do so many more things: write a musical, sing an all-French program, draw.” I catch a glimpse of a child-like enthusiasm in her eyes as she smiles and adds: “but my priority right now is my daughter. Everything else will have to wait.”

For more information about Leila and her school, please see her site: www.lfsv.wordpress.com or write to her directly at: lfschoolofvoice@gmail.com Her 2006 CD “Sail” is available on itunes, amazon and cdbaby.

27

Interview

Tessie seated with husband Petri and their three children.

Standing from left to right, youngest son Aarne Kristian, daughter Raili and eldest son Ilkka.

Teresita Zurbano Ruutu Pianist, Doctor’s Wife, Honorary Consul, Mother To Three Highly Accomplished Artists We are very proud to highlight the great artists of Filipino roots who have spread their musical and cultural wings across the European continent. Teresita Zurbano Ruutu or Tessie as she is fondly called by friends, has made Finland her home, as she remains very much a Filipina at heart. Her husband, Dr. Petri Ruutu, a medical research professor and head of the Epidemiology Department of the National Institute of Health and Well-being in Finland, is also an accomplished musician. Her three children and son-in law are all highly acknowledged artists: in the fields of music in all its form, ballet, and acting.

Tessie graduated from the University of the Philippines, College of Music major in piano and voice; she also studied Classical Ballet at the Leonor Orosa Goquinco Ballet School in Manila. In Helsinki, Tess studied at the Sibelius Academy, Degree II B and Diploma in piano highest. She is a recipient of The Bell Bearer of the Year Award (Vuoden Kellokas), by the Finnish Female Reporters Association and The Shelter Deed Award, by The Shelter Homes Association of Greater Helsinki.

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Interview

What brought you to Finland? How long have you lived here now?

I first came to Finland in February 1973, to perform in a couple of concerts with the Philippine Madrigal Singers which were arranged by my now husband for his choir, the Helsinki University Choir. It was after this visit that my husband started courting me.

We first met in New York, at the International Choral Festival held at the Lincoln Centre in 1969. We did not actually remember about the first meeting, but after we were married, we found pictures and even a footage on his movie camera where I was the subject.

We got married in December, 1973 and I moved to Finland in March, 1974.

That is so romantic, a real love story. Please tell us about your family.

My husband, Petri, is a medical research professor & heads the epidemiology department at the National Health & Wellbeing Institute of Finland. We have three children: Ilkka Alberto Raul, a sound engineer and a bass player of Sunrise Avenue, which is a popular Finnish rock band in Europe; Raili Melissa Anja, a musicale stage actress and singer in Finland; & Aarne Kristian Henry, a lead ballet dancer with the Norwegian National Ballet. Our daughter Raili, recently married a fellow actor & singer on stage, Tuukka Raitala.

Indeed Tess, you have an exciting and amazingly musical and artistic family. Please tell us, when were you appointed Honorary Vice Consul of the Philippines in Finland?

What are your duties and responsibilities in this position?

I was appointed as Honorary Vice Consul in Finland in 2008 when Finland was still under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Embassy in Sweden.

There is now an Embassy in Helsinki since late 2009.

I have no specific duty but I extend assistance & advice, especially in matters concerning the Filipino community.

How many Filipinos live in Finland? What do they do? What are the prospects for residence and employment for Filipinos in Finland?

There are about 2000 Filipinos presently residing in Finland, majority are women who are married to Finns. Many are employed as domestic helpers, some are employed in offices, restaurants, and factories.

Recently, nurses are directly recruited by different agencies from the Philippines for employment in hospitals & other medical establishments.

That very interesting news for those in the nursing profession. Also Tess, you have been successful in your own profession, within musicas a pianist, and also in the field of dance in Finland. Did you continue your studies in Finland?

Yes, I got my Master’s degree in Piano from the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki., and I am employed by the Finnish National Opera Ballet Academy as permanent pianist of the Ballet School, for more than 20 years now.

Aside from that, I am also the Founding Chairman of the Finnish-Philippine Association, member of the Working Group on the Status of Immigrant Women, the EU Migrants’ Forum, Speaker at ECOFIL, a European conference of Filipino associations in Europe held in Stockholm & Rome, Speaker at Pulong ng Bayan conference of Filipino organisations in the Nordic countries held in Helsingborg & Oslo.

You were an original member of the worldfamous Philippine Madrigal Singers. Please tell us briefly about your career in this group?

I was with the UP Concert Chorus before I joined the Madrigal Singers in 1967 as soloist, and one of its official Representatives in its Choir Concert tours: Around the World (69), World Expo (70) Tour of Asia and Europe (73). I also got involved in numerous operas and musicals productions at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and in the Phil-Am Auditorium.

What are you activities nowadays?

My present active involvements, besides my regular job at the Opera Ballet School & as Honorary Vice Consul are as - Board member, Monika-Naiset Liito (Multicultural Women’s Union); - Chairman, Monika-Naiset Pääkaupunkiseudun Piiritoimisto (Multicultural Women’s Union’s Metropolitan area - District Office); - Cultural Coordinator, FinnishPhilippine Association; - Member, COFI (Coping with Finns) Management / Steering Group; Representative of the Opera Ballet School staff to the Opera Council for Negotiation

Tess, it is a great honour and pleasure talking to you. Good luck to your further endeavours, and God bless you and your wonderful family!

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Interview

Aarne Kristian Ruutu Lead Dancer At The Norwegian National Ballet

Aarne Kristian Henry Ruutu, lead dancer at the Norwegian National Ballet, who enthrals audiences with his dashing and brilliant dancing is Filipino-Finnish, the son of pianist Tessie Ruutu and Dr Petri Ruutu. Aarne Kristian has made Filipinos in Norway happy and proud that he has made Oslo his home away from home. The dazzling new Norwegian Opera House, built of white marble on reclaimed portion of land facing the Oslo Fjord, is a magical setting for the magnificent performances of the Norwegian National Ballet.

Aarne Kristian is a recipient of many ballet competition awards in Finland, Luxembourg, France and Sweden. He has done gala performances in the U.S.A., Hungary, Russia, France, Egypt. In the past seven years, his repertoire includes the following: As Basilio in Don Quixote, Prince in Nutcracker, Mercutio & Benvolio in Romeo & Juliet, Bluebird & Jewels in Sleeping Beauty, Cassio in Othello, Hortensio in Taming of the Shrew, Pas de Trois in Swan Lake, Puck & Dimitri in Midsummernight’s Dream, Athos & Aramis in Le Trois Mousquetaires, Harlequin Pas de Deux, La Vivandiere; Napoli (Pax de Six), Agon (1st Trio), 4 Temperaments (Melancholic); Flames of Paris (Pas De Deux); Flower Festival of Genzano (Pas De Deux); Graduation Ball (Solo of the Drummer) Fearful Symmetries.

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Interview

We are very proud and happy to have you in R&W. Please tell us, how did you get to join the Norwegian National Ballet?

There is an international ballet competition that takes place every 4th year. At that time, I was working in a company in Paris and the director suggested for me to participate. After the competition the director of the Norwegian National Ballet approached me with a proposal to join her company.

That is amazing. Now, please tell us in brief about yourself. Where were you born, where did you grow up. How did you start and grow into a professional ballet dancer? Was this something you really wanted to do?

I was born in Helsinki, Finland and was raised in Vantaa which is a suburb of Helsinki.

My mother works as a pianist for the Finnish National Ballet School so when I was very little, I used to go with her and I would sit under the piano, watching the students while trying to copy them. After a while, seeing me jumping around in classes my parents decided to put me in a ballet school near where we lived. After 4 years I transferred to the National Ballet School. You could say I grew into it.

Please tell us about your family? Your parents and siblings. Were they supportive of your dancing career?

My parents have been very supportive in anything my sister, brother or I did. We have all tried many different hobbies but all ended up in the arts. We are a very artistic family I have to say. You know about my mother’s many talents and my father being a doctor and a choir singer. My sister works in musicals and my brother is in a band called Sunrise Avenue. I think rhythm runs in our blood.

Yes, indeed. How long have you lived in Oslo? Do you like it here? How often do you visit Finland?

Have you been visiting the Philippines? If yes, what is your favourite place in the Philippines?

What do you think of Ballet Philippines? The Philippine Cultural Center?

I have lived in Oslo for 10 years now, I feel it is my home away from home. I try to visit Finland at least twice a year, in summer and for Christmas. Sometimes the latter is not possible because of our Nutcracker performances, it's a tough period with a lot of shows.

I have been to the Philippines a few times and I have to say Bohol is an amazingly beautiful place. I have had the privilege to dance the ballet Don Quixote with the Philippines Ballet Theatre at the Cultural Centre of the Philippines. I had a great time working with them and hope to do so again in the future.

Unfortunately I don't know so much about the Ballet Philippines but hope to do a collaboration with them one day.

How is the ballet scene in Norway? What are showing now? Is classic ballet something which our Filipino youth can dream of going into?

Current trends, prospects for the future?

The ballet scene is growing fast in Norway, we are getting more and more audience because we are doing interesting and versatile programs. In a few weeks we start with the classical ballet Don Quixote. After that we have a four- piece contemporary evening from the amazing choreographer Jiri Kylian. To finish the spring season we do Romeo & Juliet. Classical ballet is definitely something that the youth could get into, as long as you have the passion, drive and the will to work hard for it. The trend here now is the modern choreographers from Holland which are very interesting, combining beautiful Classical music with expressive contemporary movement. Prospects for the future are to deliver both classical and contemporary dance with the highest quality.

Any message you like to share with our Filipino youth/readers around Europe?

Pursue your dreams. It's better to try and fail than never to have tried at all.

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It’s not over till the little lady sings Text and Images by Patrick Camara Ropeta I remember the first time I heard that voice. It was a cold winter’s night in London. It was a party for students and young professionals, movers and shakers in their fields. Lawyers and scientists mixed with artists and musicians. There is an air of achievement and the promise of a bright future. Against the murmurs of the crowd came a wall of sound that silenced every soul in the building. It was the voice of Karlene Hayworth.

A trained soprano, Hayworth is no stranger to this level of performance. She has sung all over the world, honing her skills for many years both in the Philippines and in England. It is evident upon meeting her that opera runs deep through her veins. She exudes the unmistakable aura of a diva, in the proper sense of the word - a respectable opera singer. But it wasn’t always so.

“I wasn’t sure in the beginning if I wanted to be an opera singer,” she recalls. “There wasn’t a big operatic culture in the Philippines. I knew I wanted to sing, 32

perhaps musicals and other things, but not necessarily opera. Looking back, I’ve realised it’s something I could excel in. I thought I was good enough and believed I could do it, even though I wasn’t exposed to it that much.” This lack of exposure would later present itself as a challenge.

The road to opera

It all started with a plucky little girl who wanted to prove herself. “I didn’t know I could sing until I was six,” she confesses. “I was in first grade and I was very competitive.”

It was this competitive streak that forced Hayworth to join a school competition that has since dictated the course of her life. “At the time I was an honour student, and there was a singing competition. I’ve heard that the other honour students were joining it, so I thought I might as well join in.”

Prior to this, she didn’t think much about music, or singing for that matter. And yet, with little preparation,

Culture

she placed second in the competition, beating other honour students from her class, which pleased her enormously. Surprised and elated, she thought at that moment: “If I could be better at singing, I might as well pursue it.”

realised that she’s already missed the admissions window for that year. She didn’t give up that easily. “I tried my luck at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, and they told me that there was an audition coming up in Singapore - in just 2 weeks.”

This epiphany led to a long road of music training and countless performances. She quickly joined the Manila Children’s Choir, as well as the school choir at Paco Catholic School, her alma mater.

She persuaded her family to organise a trip for the audition with little time to prepare. It was a risky strategy, but the gamble paid off. “They offered me a spot right after I auditioned, and that was it,” she recalls with a smile. “I sang my heart out, and now I’m here.”

A few years later, she auditioned for the Philippine High School for the Arts in Los Banos, Laguna, where she was offered a scholarship in music, and began her classical training. There she was exposed to arias and Kundiman, the classic Filipino genre. She also listened to musicals and pop music for fun.

She then decided to take up Bachelor of Music in Voice at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City, where she continued her vocal training for the next five years, before joining the Philippine Madrigal Singers. She travelled around the world and performed with the choral group for three years, but started to miss opera, her first love. “I missed operatic singing. It’s something I really enjoy.”

With her eye on the prize, she sought after reputable music colleges in Britain, a stronghold of opera, but

Before she left the Philippines, Hayworth already carved an impressive list of performances with highly esteemed ensembles like the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and Metro Manila Community Orchestra, as well as stints at prestigious venues like the Cultural Centre of the Philippines. She also won awards for her musical abilities, including grand prize at the McDonald’s Special Child Achievers Awards and second place at the National Music Competition for Young Artists.

Fighting spirit

“I enjoy achieving things,” she reveals. “When I was at elementary school, if I’m not at the top of class, I’m always at second or third. It gives me a sense of satisfaction.”

To her own admission, however, her drive stems from something much deeper in her character. She explains: “Because of my eye, I had this insecurity that I had to prove something, that even though I had this disability I can still be good. And because I grew up with people taunting and teasing me, I have this feeling that I always have to prove myself.”

Born in 1983, Hayworth was diagnosed with congenital cataract, a lens distortion that affected one of her eyes.

She had an operation at the age of two, followed by laser surgery at the age of four. This left her with what she affectionately calls ‘a lazy eye’.

“It was really hard when I was growing up,” she remembers. “People made fun of me, and some boys would call me ‘cross-eyed’.” Yet her fighting spirit manifested itself even then. “I would snap at them and run after them,” she said. “I actually became a bully, which is the exact opposite of what they were trying 33

Culture

Karlene’s Top 5 in Opera 1. The Turn of the Screw (Benjamin Britten) 2. Lucia di Lamermoor (Donizetti) 3. Rigoletto (Verdi) 4. Manon (Massenet) 5. La Boheme (Puccini)

Karlene’s Top 5 in London 1. Royal Opera House. “”Go to the opera house and watch great operas.”

2. Hampstead Heath: “Take a walk. It’s a lovely place.”

3. Cycling: “Cycle along the Thames Path, it’s gorgeous.”

4. Greenwich: “Go there on a boat, it’s brilliant.”

5. The Barbican: “It has all the culture you need, name it and it’s there.”

to do to me. I came out the other end bossing people around. It was my way of coping with my insecurity.”

She opted for cosmetic eye surgery at the age of 15, believing it to be necessary in her quest for a career in opera. “It’s important to be aesthetically pleasing on stage,” she claims. “After I’ve had my cosmetic surgery, it’s less noticeable and I realised that I could look good.

I feel more confident because of it.” She underwent her last eye operation at the age of 17.

Does she have any strange rituals? “I don’t like talking early in the morning,” she says, laughing exuberantly.

“And if I’m singing a hard core opera, for most of the day I don’t want to talk. I just nod or write things down, but that’s just me. I only warm up, and that’s my preparation for the day. Other than that, I think about the music but avoid heavy practicing to preserve my body, because I find that it tires me out. I prepare for it mentally and give my full physical energy in the performance.”

These days, Hayworth’s affliction as a child bears little significance to her career as a musician. Her focus is solely on preparing herself for operatic roles and developing her vocal instrument.

Challenges

“I’m a young singer and I’m still developing. If you’re really good, you need to practice everyday. Singing, and music in general, is like any sport. You have to make sure you warm up properly, train hard everyday, and always practice. But you also have to be careful, because if you’re doing bad practice, you’ll develop bad habits, and that’s more difficult to reverse” Her lifestyle is dedicated to the preservation of her most prized asset. “I look after my instrument by not shouting, or smoking, or drinking, or staying up all night.”

Success in opera is a long and difficult road, even for talented singers like Hayworth. “The opera industry is very competitive,” she admits. “There are so many people who want to penetrate it. They want to be the star. They want to do the same roles I want to do.

There’s just not enough jobs for everyone. That’s the major challenge I have to face.”

And how does one rise to this challenge? “The first thing is finding the ‘right break’, which is tricky. In any industry, it’s important to have that luck - being in the right place at the right time. I know so many people with amazing voices who are not singing at the Royal Opera House or The Met, not because they’re not good, but because they haven’t had that lucky break, which is a shame. But I guess that’s how the world works.”

Karlene’s Top 5 in Manila 1. Cultural Centre of the Philippines: “Get some culture.”

2. Museums: “Go to museums, it’s not explored enough there.”

3. Serendra/Bonifacio High Street: “Take a lovely walk at night and enjoy the outdoors.”

4. Open Concerts: “They do them in parks. They’re amazing.”

5. Manila Bay: “Have coffee and enjoy the sunset.”

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Culture

She adds: “I need to know exactly what I can do professionally and be amazing at it.” She stresses the word amazing. “Some people have the most amazing voice but they’re not singing the right roles that will showcase it. Finding the right repertoire for me will be a challenge.”

At five feet tall, her typically Asian stature poses its own unique issues. “It can be difficult if you have six feet basses or tenors. You have to be paired with someone that doesn’t look awkward with you on stage. But like with any performance career these days, the way you look is important. I think to some extent I can do well in opera because the leads are often young females.”

She is, at times, in competition with herself, rising above the limitations of her national heritage. “At the end of the day, they’ll take you in if you’re good. But coming from an Asian background, you have to prove that you are better than what they already have here in the West for them to take notice. You have to be exceptionally amazing.”

She continues: “It’s quite tough. My Western peers in opera are so exposed to literature, artists, conductors and other people in the industry, and in the Philippines there isn’t much operatic culture. I feel relatively clueless in some things. I think it helps if you’re exposed to the operatic environment from an early age.”

This lack of opera in Philippine culture has always been a problem for the singer. “Even Filipinos here in Europe don’t support opera. But you can’t blame them, because it’s all about education, exposure, and what you’ve been accustomed to. The Philippines is more into pop culture. We don’t have much operatic culture.”

She pleads: “It would be nice if Filipinos could branch out. They’ll realise that opera is actually nice and they’ll be able to appreciate it. It’d be good to develop this and educate people more about this field.”

What else could be done about it? “I think they should translate operas into Filipino. I think they used to do it in the past. If the Filipinos could understand what it’s all about, it might be better. The stories in operas are exactly what the Filipinos like - the drama, the scandals, the cheating, and the deaths. Probably

because they don’t understand it, they don’t want to watch it.”

Chasing the dream

Hayworth lives in London, where she cultivates an active life whilst pursuing a career in opera. “I love living in London. It’s the best place I could ever be with the culture, and the place itself is inspiring. You just get inspired to do music and be creative. I’m in a good place at the moment and people really appreciate what I do here.”

She shares a flat southeast of the city with her husband, Alexis Hayworth, an Oxford-educated young solicitor working for a top international law firm. “I’m so blessed to have a husband who’s so wonderful and supportive,” she swoons. “He’s my number one cheerleader. When I’m down and don’t have a lot of confidence, he raises me up. He’s a benefactor and patron of the arts, helping me with lessons and taking me to operas. He’s such an opera fan, and he probably knows more about it than I do.”

Alexis shares her enthusiasm. "I am always surprised by the beautiful sound that comes from such a tiny frame,” he says. “It's always a delight to listen to 35

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Karlene, and her voice still makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up."

There are plenty of other supporters too. “Her potential is great,” says Jamie Oakes, a veteran arts adviser who once worked with Hayworth. “She exudes confidence and dramatic flair in her roles. Her professionalism is admirable and inspirational, giving more than 100 per cent. to any task thrown at her, commanding respect from all who work with her. Last summer, she was involved in a Filipino play and an opera concurrently, which she handled with aplomb and grit.”

“She has finesse and an elegant style of her own,” adds Cecile Santos, Cultural Officer at the Philippine Embassy in London. “Remember the old saying, ‘The opera isn’t over till the fat lady sings’? Opera singers are often stereotyped based on their physique being in proportion to their powerful voices. Karlene's presence on stage is somewhat an exception. Everyone cannot believe that voice coming from such a petite lady.”

She exposes herself to as much opera as possible through books, videos, radio, television, and the internet. She recently finished reading the biography of one of her idols. “I love Maria Callas. She is one of those people with the ‘it’ factor, and I want to be like that.”

Patrick Camara Ropeta is:

• A freelance journalist, photographer and videographer; • A news correspondent for ABSCBN Europe, covering culture & lifestyle, current affairs, and social events for television and online news; • A trained multimedia artist from Royal Holloway, University of London, and London College of Communication, University of Arts London; • Interested in art, film, literature, and acting, among other things.

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In the past year alone, she has performed with independent opera companies in London, including Opera Integra in Notting Hill, Brent Opera in Hampstead and Opera Redux in Chelsea, all of which gave her opportunities to play roles in masterpieces like Hansel and Gretel, Eugene Onegin, and Carmen.

But what does it really take to make it in opera?

“Persistence, patience, hard work, resilience, discipline, and a positive attitude,” she answers promptly with conviction. “In this field, people are always going to say that you’re not good enough. And even if you’ve made it, people will always criticise what you’ve done, and that would be tough. But you just have to believe that this is what you enjoy doing, this is your passion, and it’s what you live for. All the rest is just part of it, and you have to look at the bigger picture.”

That bigger picture includes a stable career in music.

“I want to be a working artist,” she proclaims. “I don’t necessarily have to be at the top, but I can see myself singing in opera houses in Europe and the US, perhaps even in Japan and Korea, where opera is also popular, and even in the Philippines.” With her talent and astute determination, there is no doubt she’ll get there.

All she needs is that lucky break, and it’s not over until the little lady sings.

Youth

Youngest Manager at TGI Fridays Stureplan Text and photo by Hanna Stenbacka

Not many at the age of 22 can say that they have been a manager at one of the largest restaurant franchises in the world. The Filipina Bernadette Pastoriza grew up in the suburbs of Stockholm, Sweden. In high school, Bernadette chose a hotel and restaurant-based program.

Her first service based internship was at Pauli near the Swedish Royal Theater and later she began working at TGI Fridays Stureplan (in the heart of Stockholm city) as a ‘runner’. She would complete miscellaneous tasks as food running or dessert making. At the age of 17 Bernadette was both studying and working.

One day she was impressed by two bartenders juggling bottles with disciplined elegance. From then on she wanted to climb the career ladder and thought, “I’m going to be behind that bar” serving and catering to guests. She worked hard and did her best as a runner.

This journey was not without uncertainties, “In the beginning my mother was not enthusiastic about me working in the restaurant industry, but catering to guests was my passion, and I wanted to show to her that I could do well here. She disliked the late nights and was sometimes worried. I told her ‘Mother, it’s fine, I can go far, I promise I will show you.’”

One year later she was asked if she would like to be

a waitress. She accepted the position, continuing to be proactive, innovative, and smart. After this she was approached with the opportunity to work behind the bar. As a bartender, Bernadette enjoyed meeting new and diverse people. But it did not take very long before the main manager noticed Bernadette, her abilities, intelligence and efforts. That was when he asked her if she wanted to be manager.

The youngest previous manager was 25 years old, and Bernadette is the youngest manager so far. She says, “Even though I was young, it was my worth ethic that had drawn attention to me. The employers thought that I would fit in the team. I determine schedules and I monitor everything that goes on during my working pass. I have no fear in dealing with guests. If something is wrong, I ask them what the problem is. I say, ‘Hello, my name is Bernadette and I’m responsible for tonight.

I do not take criticism negatively, but with optimism.”

Being a Filipina helps her at work. Filipinos are known for being sweet and kind. “I’ve inherited this from my family. My Filipino background makes me who I am today. I grew up mostly in Sweden but I always carry with me my Filipino values.” Bernadette continues learning, growing and moving forward in her career.

“Today, my mother is very proud of me.”

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People

38

People

An Azkal in London Text and Photo by Karlene Hayworth Football in the Philippines has rapidly grown in popularity due to the history-making performances of the Philippine football team “Azkals” in the ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup 2010. They beat the defending champions Vietnam in the quarter-finals and progressed to the semi-finals for the first time in the 14 years of the tournament’s existence. Thanks to this stellar achievement, the team has gained celebrity status overnight, even in the basketball crazy country. Part of this success is due to 21 year old British-Filipino Neil Leonard Dula Etheridge from London, the national team’s goalkeeper.

It is not easy to catch up with Neil Etheridge. He is after all, an international sportsman and a reserve goalkeeper for English football club Fulham in the English Premier League (arguably the best national league in the world). Neil kindly gave up some time between training sessions to talk to me about football, the Philippines and his personal life before flying out to the Philippines the next day to win against Mongolia in Bacolod for the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) Cup qualifiers.

Bright start

Asked about how he got into the sport, “Football in England is like eating and drinking. Everyone does it.

My dad used to play football. I used to play out field. I used to do it at school... started when I was five or six.

I used to play all sorts of sports. I used to play tennis as well. It wasn’t until eleven that my dad said to me, it’s either tennis or football and I chose football and obviously it was a good decision...”

Etheridge started to play as a goalkeeper when he was ten. After just two years in this position, he was scouted by Chelsea whilst playing a district game in Hampshire. He then got selected to represent England Under-16s. Shortly thereafter, Etheridge, who has a Filipino mum from Concepcion in Tarlac, received an invitation to play for the Philippines. In 2008, Neil made his international debut playing for the Philippines in the AFC Challenge Cup. Although excellent opportunities and good breaks seem to have easily come his way, Etheridge

encountered some setbacks in his career. “I got a wrist operation that set me back for four months, they (Fulham FC) offered me another one year contract, and the start of that year, I had two knee operations, one on each knee. I came back strong.”

This young lad is far from resting on his laurels. The young footballer knows that hard work plays a major role to achieve success. “...Leg weights, knees need to get bigger... resting your body... I don’t eat much pasta... there are sacrifices that you need to make.” He gamely recounts a few examples of his regime to keep fit. In true international football star fashion, Etheridge spends much of his time training, playing football, keeping healthy and travelling.

Second home

Being part of the national team, he now takes at least two trips a year to the Philippines. Etheridge is no stranger to the country though. Together with his mum, they travelled to visit relatives and see tourist 39

People

destinations as he was growing up. Although he is not familiar with the Filipino language, he clearly has Filipino sensibilities. Proud to own over 40 pairs of shoes, he is building up his collection to rival Imelda Marcos. Being an only child, he treasures his big family in Tarlac, even flying some of them to watch him play on his first game as part of the national team. “I love the people, the culture, the food. I love visiting my family in the province when I get some free time. I have absolutely nothing bad to say about the Philippines, except for the traffic,” he said in jest. He even drove in the Philippines for the first time in December 2010. “I found driving in the Philippines okay, just a bit more aggressive. Just do not trail behind jeepneys!”

The Philippines may gain a new resident in Etheridge.

To buy a house in the country is one of his plans for the future, alongside taking lessons to learn Tagalog.

Looking ahead

When asked about his career aspirations, “Two things I only want to do for my career, play the best level I could play- I want to play in the Premier League eventually, (and) taking the Philippines forward in the footballing world. I could be now playing for under 21s in England. But for me, taking a step forward in the Philippines, that’s stronger and closer to my heart

than anything else. I want to help the Philippines get into the top 100.”At present, the Philippines is 152nd in the FIFA world rankings.

Things are just about to get even more exciting for Etheridge. Follow him on twitter.com/neil38etheridge

FUN FACTS about Neil: 1. Single and available.

2. Loves shopping, theme parks and rollercoasters.

3. Wears UK10.5 shoes.

4. Has more than 16,000 followers on Twitter.

5. His mum is around 5”3, his dad is around 5”10, he is at 6”4!

Addendum on the interview article with Philippine Ambassador to France, Rora Tolentino by John Florencio, Paris Bureau Editor, published in Roots&Wings nr 5: - Ambassador Tolentino’s previous ambassadorial assignments were to Australia, Nauru, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

- She entered the DFA in 1967 after graduating from UP with the degree of B.S. Foreign Service (she undertook the DFA Foreign Service Course as a senior student), took and passed the 1971 Foreign Service Officer’s Exams as a senior (working) student in the UP College of Law and graduated in 1973 with degree of Bachelor of Laws and the Bar exams in the same year.

- During the 1986 People Power Revolution, she was posted in the Embassy in Bangkok, but in 1989, she was in the Home Office in Manila as DFA Director General (renamed Assistant Secretary) for Asia & Pacific Affairs, and assisted then President Cory Aquino during her trip to Tokyo for the funeral of the late Emperor Hirohito – an intense period of “Funeral Diplomacy”, when ten world leaders requested to meet with her and she was widely sought for media interviews.

- France is the Philippines’ 5th export market in Europe (after Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and UK).

- 24,000 French tourists visited the Philippines in 2009 40

Hello from Belfast

May Ronette B. Lapuz

Multi-tasking in Belfast, Northern Ireland

By Ivee B Hidvegi May Ronette is a 37-year old Senior Staff Nurse at the Ulster Hospital in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Aside from being a nurse, a wife, and mother, May Ronette is also a regular singer at various Filipino events, like Barrio Fiestas, as well as weddings, birthdays and parties. She has also performed alongside celebrities like Michael Copon, the American actor of the movie Power Rangers and the TV series One Tree Hill as well as with Filipino artists like Madona Decena, the semi-finalist of the show Britain’s Got Talent and Ima Castro, the lead vocalist of The Lady Birds who played the role of Kim in the broadway musical, Miss Saigon.

What do you consider as the greatest challenge working as a nurse in Northern Ireland?

The language and the workload. There are many dialects and accents here. I still sometimes find it difficult to understand when patients talk. For instance, a patient once asked me for a “toll”. I can still remember her face as I asked “pardon me?” like a hundred times!

It turned out that she was just asking for a TOWEL! Another thing is that visitors and relatives are only allowed in the ward during visiting hours, which is four

hours a day. We nurses are expected to assist patients for the rest of the day, unlike in the Philippines where relatives can stay as long as they want to help their sick relatives with everything. In addition to that, aside from my duties at the Acute Medical/Stroke ward, I have to do ward rounds, documentations, audits and mentoring student nurses.

How did your singing career started? Were you discovered or did you have a talent scout?

My boss, Mr Ray Kendall, who happens to be a guitarist in a band called “Once in a Blue Moon” heard me on one of our nights out and he asked me if I could join them once in a while. I do gigs with them whenever available. I also get invitations to various singing engagements, sometimes with a band, or a solo performance at private functions or other special occasions. There is no greater joy for me than to sing for kababayans. The Filipino communities here are very helpful and supportive and appreciative of my talents. The Barrio Fiesta is the most awaited festival here and to be invited to perform, alongside famous Filipino artists is always an honour for me.

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People

The Yield Executive is

a Filipina

By Yoko Ramos-Vingno

Mary Ann dela Vega was only 26 at the time of the interview. She spent half of her junior year in Greece and went to Hellenic High where she enjoyed her teen life with her new found friends. Although she had a hard time adjusting to the language and culture of the country, she was able to cope up with the way of life and credits her friends and teachers whom she said helped her a lot. She breezed through the Greek life and was able to finish high school in 2002. Thereafter, she enrolled at the Business College of Athens and took up Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Management. Time 42

passed by so quickly and Mary Ann’s hard work paid off – she graduated in 2007 with a distinct grade of A. With fresh credentials safely tucked in her pocket, Mary Ann went off to visit her mother in Trikala (a city north west of Athens). While vacationing there, she applied for a job at Chatziagaki Hotel, Pertouli.

Mary Ann was immediately hired as a receptionist at the front desk. She was happy – as all first timers were – but after a few months, she found her work easy.

She wanted a job where in she could apply what she

People

learned in school. The front desk job was good as a training ground for the next level.

Since Mary Ann had already grown accustomed to the hustle and bustle of Athens’ city life, she went back to the city and started handing out her resume to several four star hotels. She was called for several interviews but the position offered to her was still at the front desk. This led to Mary Ann trying her luck with the big five star hotels – her last stop was King George.

After an hour, Mary Ann was called back to King George for an initial interview and an on the spot test.

She passed the two but she still has to be interviewed by the General Manager. She was hired as Banquet Coordinator. A year after her entry at King George in 2008, Mary Ann has been moved to another post – more challenging work. She has been designated as Banquet Executive for three other hotels of the Daskalandonaki Group (which also owns and manages King George).

The three hotels are – the Classical Acropol, 2Fashion House Hotel and the Baby Grand Hotel.

Mary Ann likes being challenged and given higher responsibilities.

She is constantly learning and

loving her work. She expressed happiness to having been given the opportunity to show her capability – especially in this country where Filipinos are mostly known for working in the house. Being single, Mary Ann earns relatively high pay with the usual hotel perks – ie spa discounts, unlimited use of her cellular phone, bonuses and paid vacations. In 2009, Mary Ann was made Yield/Revenue Executive by the company.

She enjoys the trust and confidence of her superiors in the hotel. This is another huge responsibility but the remuneration is the least of her concern – at the moment.

Mary Ann is the youngest child of Rodel and Imelda dela Vega. Her mother Imelda still lives in Trikala while her father is in Baguio City, Philippines. Mr dela Vega is a government employee of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Baguio. Mary Ann is planning to spend her paid vacation to go to Baguio and surprise her father. They have not seen each other since she left the Philippines in 1999.

But for now, Mary Ann has all her focus and energy at work.

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Hello from England

While preparing Sunday brunch, I must have been fishing for a compliment when I asked my husband if he thought, like I did, that in my current domestic context, I represent “added value”. I was about to wax lyrical regarding my newly acquired skills, but decided otherwise. What gave me pause was detecting that there was in his smile, as he said, “but now, you are no longer a lady of leisure”, just a hint of sadness.

His reaction made me think. On reflection, I find myself turning back the pages to the beginning of this current context. It began when I finally settled down, after retiring from the glamorous and frenetic career as fashion co-ordinator and merchandiser for several European chain stores. Obviously, taking care of my appearance was a prerequisite.

Now, before a day out, I must remind myself to check if my unmanicured nails need attention. Is it time to touch up my roots? Am I showing earlier-than-necessary, wear-and-tear, because I have to do most of these timeconsuming business myself, at home? I think not! Is it too eccentric that, not only do I cut my own hair, but I am convinced, except for the uncertainty about the rear view, the trim I give myself looks better than those I have had professionally done? Surprisingly, I think that my do-it-yourself (DIY) hairstyle looks more natural and if I dare say it, youthful. Yes, it is!

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But last year, while on an unscheduled visit to Davao, out of what must have been plain hubris, I volunteered to cut my mother’s hair. She was in hospital, fretting that she badly needed a trim. “Don’t worry” I said, “your free-of-charge hairstylist has arrived!” With my experience limited to cutting the hair of my husband, mother-in-law (in exactly the same style but just longer), and my own, nemesis soon followed. My poor, dear mother, whose hair had been her crowning glory for as long as I can remember, was nearly in tears when I proudly showed her the result of my work. In my enthusiasm, I may have miscalculated and snipped off more hair than I ought to have done, because she found that she could no longer tease, spray and wear it 2” above her head, when there was only 1” of hair all around. She was not consoled when I said that it would soon be the desired length, because her hair has always taken ages to grow. Thankfully, she is speaking to me again, but perhaps, I have to be prepared that I may have lost a “customer”.

Multi-tasking is one of the most important skills in my life as “lady of the manor” or rather, lady of the cottage, that I have come to acquire and to appreciate.

Hello from England

As a practitioner on a daily basis, I am grateful for the lessons learned from reading Stanislavky’s An Actor Prepares. In the training given in Method Acting, there are specific exercises to improve Concentration, Imagination and Improvisation. These are invaluable tools to have in the practice of any craft, as accidents can and do happen in the stage of life. For example, when, after placing a casserole in the oven you are enjoying a mug of coffee as you peruse the papers, biding time while waiting for the cycle to finish in the washing machine; with vegetables simmering in pots on the stove, you have one ear listening to “Gardener’s Question Time” on the radio and the other to birds in the garden, making sure that they are not munching on the primroses, the phone rings.

For awhile, after I ceased to be gainfully employed, I worried about the lack of status, but today, although not materially richer, I feel spiritually better off in this challenging, exciting and very satisfying period of my life. Now that I have formed the habit of doing what needs to be done, by trying, sometimes failing, sometimes not, I am confident that I will no longer feel self conscious or discouraged, when faced with the next new challenge, about which I may feel completely out-of-my-depth. Even if, on her next visit from the Philippines, my mother were again to disapprove when finding me trying to fix the toilet seat, or up to some other culturally-shocking occupation, I just know that I will have a ready reply. Sweetly, but not apologetically, I will say, “Mom, around here, there is no such thing as a man’s job or a woman’s job; just a job, and whoever has the time does it”.

As I fork over my organic vegetable patch, mow the lawn, paint the window ledge, recycle clothes and other fabric items, write a play, compose songs - in between and sometimes while - cooking, dusting, washing, ironing, dealing with emails, and doing whatever else needs doing, I thank God, that necessity has given me the opportunity to acquire new skills.

But I must not mislead, because I do have efficient help from a willing and very appreciative husband who treats me like a lady. In my new context, I ask myself, “am I improved?” More importantly, has my mother come around to the view that all these new skills represent “added value” in the “domestic” economy?

Between you and me, secretly, I think she does.

Izzat with husband and grand daughter

About the author IZZAT, born in Davao City, graduated with Distinction in Theatre Arts in Marymount College, Southern California. She finds that of her careers as commercial model, TV presenter, playwright and composer, RTW & fashion accessories’ designerexporter, her present as home maker is the most challenging, satisfying and rewarding - if only in psychic-terms.

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Media

Pinoy Radio UK:

Tuloy ka, Kabayan!

By Michael Biando

PRUK with former Ambassador Lagdameo in Isle Of Man Embassy Outreach

Who would ever think that a simple public service effort would eventually turn into a milestone for Pinoys yearning for a Filipino radio station in the United Kingdom? For decades, Africans and Indians have been the only ethnic communities that have started their radio stations in Great Britain. Filipinos were left with no choice but to painstakingly adhere to these foreign broadcasts which made them feel totally far away from their homeland. But when Typhoon Ondoy came in 2009, the need for rapid information within the Philippine community became urgent, et voilà! - Pinoy Radio UK was born!

to 2006. Test broadcasts were conducted for three years, and then in 2009, when Ondoy made its wrath over the Philippines, Mr. Laragan initiated a radiothon on his online radio station. He appealed to Filipinos residing in UK and Europe to help their Kababayans back home, who were devastated by the typhoon. The effort fortified the station’s presence and it quickly became a household name. The station is also credited for interviews it has made with several Filipino music icons (e.g. Nonoy Zuniga, Rey Valera, etc.) and controversial personalities like Jose Maria Sison of the CPP-NPA.

Mr. Sonny Laragan was the man behind this brilliant effort. A veteran broadcast journalist himself, Mr. Laragan’s idea of setting up a Filipino radio station that would cater to his Kababayans can be traced back

Today, Pinoy Radio UK (PRUK) operates under the umbrella of Channel Philippines Network Limited, located in London, England. It is a broadcast company duly registered in England and Wales. PRUK is a 24

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Media

hour online radio station playing all-OPM for Filipinos on www.pinoyradio-uk.com. It boasts a strong lineup of seasoned broadcasters, spicing every Filipino’s mood and guaranteed to eliminate home sickness and boredom. For the techie Pinoy geek, you may also monitor PRUK using your iPhones, iPad Touch, Nokia E-Series and even Blackberry Curve 8520. Just download the necessary application and you’ll be enjoying uninterrupted OPM in a few seconds!

PRUK’s power-packed programs include: • Pinoy Classic Sunday, an all-day & night Sunday special program playing exclusively Pinoy Oldies from the 50’s to the 90’s.• Pinoy Super Hits with Baby Mike, a weekly morning show designed to perk you up with the latest OPM, the weirdest Pinoy Trivias, the craziest jokes and a whole lot more! • Pinoy Music Mix with Jeremy Cool, a weekly afternoon program giving you balanced listening of old and not-so-old OPM. • Pinoy Love Songs with Julia, a weekly early evening delight promised to deliver the best love songs, as well as love quotes, from the Philippines. • And the very popular Night Jam, hosted by none other than Sonny Laragan himself, every night, where you get unadulterated discussions about practically anything! • Another great bonus is Pinoy Top Hits, every Friday morning.

This is your weekly source of the Top 20 OPM every week in the Philippines. Now that would really make

you feel closer to home, wouldn’t it?! No wonder, major advertisers and other Philippine agencies support Pinoy Radio UK! Pinoy Radio UK’s latest addition to its roster of talents is the veteran showbiz authority Tita Swarding. Every Saturday, rest assured that you will get nothing but the juiciest and most explosive showbiz happenings back home on his program Ola Chikka! Pinoy Radio is also set to conquer places outside of the UK where there is a big concentration of Filipinos. In Italy, tests are now being made on its sister station - Pinoy Radio Italia - which is scheduled to open any time now this year!

Now on its first year, slowly but surely, Pinoy Radio will expand to reach other places where there are Filipinos. This small, brilliant dream has become a big commitment to serve and bridge every Filipino worldwide. As Mr. Laragan used to always say to his team, “We are no ordinary online radio station. There are tons of online radio stations out there who can just load playlists and stream out songs - but there can only be one Pinoy Radio.”

So the next time you hear a popular Pinoy tune, listen closely. Who knows, you might just be listening to Pinoy Radio UK. Give us a try…Tuloy Ka, Kabayan!

MaiMai Asian Market

The most complete grocery store in Stockholm for Filipino and other Asian products Holländargatan 9 – Stockholm Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10.00 to 20.00 Saturday 10.00 to 19.00 Sunday 11.00 to 18.00

Welcome and Mabuhay!

Shop Owner: Myra Borromeo Tammerstrand 070-496 99 00 47

The missionaries in front of their Home in Navotas. L to R: Cesare from Italy, Gregoire from Belgium, Claire from France, Leeanne from Australia, Karen from Ireland and Julian from the U.S.A.

The Missionaries of Heart’s Home

Heart’s Home is an international Catholic organization founded in 1990 by Fr. Thierry de Roucy, and is committed to promoting a “culture of compassion” to the most neglected in the world. Officially approved in 2000 by the Roman Catholic Church as a Private Association of the Faithful, the mission (as of 2009) has 35 Homes in 19 countries and 190 volunteer missionaries of 15 nationalities.

In the Philippines, Heart’s Home is known as ‘Tahanang Puso’. Karen comes from Ireland, and she presently works with other volunteers/missionaries from Europe and America. Claire and Marie come from France, Cesare is from Italy and Julian is Filipino-American.

Just recently, Gregoire had gone back home to Belgium and Leeanne to Australia after completing 14 months of mission. They are in their mid-twenties and are brought together by their common commitment to serve God in others, to a life of constant prayer, and compassion especially for the underprivileged children and the most neglected people in the world.

Claire, Karen, Julian, Cesare and Marie left their comfort zones and their families to serve in Dagat-Dagatan a suburb in Navotas, one of the sixteen cities that make up 48

Metro Manila. They have no access to internet, no TV, no refrigerator or washing machine in the house where they live. They live simply like their neighbors, in this way they are able to reach out to them and earn their friendship and trust. To get to their house you walk through narrow alleys crowded with people’s dwellings on both sides and ‘canals’ which are open sewers that run throughout the neighbourhood. Everyday some of the missionaries go out to different places of apostalate to visit the people who live in the garbage dump in Vitas Tondo, the slums, squatter areas, under a bridge, the Fishport in Navotas, the Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa and orphanages such as the one in Tayuman, to develop friendships with them and act as a bridge between these distressed people and the local government services and charitable organizations to find solutions to their situation.

A Heart’s Home is a simple refuge where each person is welcomed, listened to, respected, and looked at in a way which conveys to him the warmth of love.

‘How do we love? Not in big things but in small things with great love. There is so much love in us all. We must not be afraid to show our love.’ Mother Teresa

UST action singers

University of Santo Tomas:

400 Years of Quality Education and Unending Grace

By Zip de Guzman - President Student Council (UST Conservatory of Music Voice Department) The oldest existing university in Asia and the world’s largest Catholic University is found in the Philippines; The Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas.

It was founded in 1611 by Msgr.Miguel de Benavides, O.P. (the third Archbishop of Manila) from an endowment of 1,500 Spanish pesos. It was originally intended to be a seminary-college to prepare young men into priesthood, then called “Colegio Seminario de Santo Tomas de Nuestra Señora del Rosario located at Intramuros, Manila. In November 25, 1645,

Pope Innocent X raised it to the status of a university.

The university was granted three more titles: Charles III of Spain conferred upon it the title of “Royal” in 1785; Pope Leo XIII granted it the title of “Pontifical” in 1902, while Pope Pius XII gave the title and distinct honor of being “The Catholic University of the Philippines” in 1947.

The Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas, now located in España, Manila, has played a vital 49

Celebration

officials. The university also takes pride as it has produced justices and Chief Justices of the Supreme Court. UST’s purest glory are the eight canonized saints; namely, Guillaume Courtet, Domingo Ibañez de Erquicia, Lucas del Espiritu Santo, Hioji de San Jacinto,Antonio Gonzales, all of them canonized on October 18,1987; Pedro Almato, Vicente Liem de la Paz, Domingo Henares all canonized on June 19, 1988.

UST arch of the century from intramuros

role in shaping the socio-political, economic and religious condition of the Philippines. It has produced distinguished alumni of national integrity, among them are national hero-Dr.Jose P.Rizal, Marcelo H. Del Pilar, Apolinario Mabini, Emilio Jacinto, Antonio Luna, Fr.Jose Burgos, and Rafael Palma. It also played a major role in molding the country’s political climate, having been able to produce four presidents namely, Manuel L. Quezon, Sergio Osmeña, Jose P.Laurel and Diosdado Macapagal; three vice-presidents, three speakers of the house of representatives and numerous governors, mayors, and government

50

To mark UST’s Quadricentennial celebration, several events were laid down. One of the highlights of the celebration was when Pope Benedict XVI declared January 2011 to January 2012 Jubilee Year. The Holy Father wasn’t able to attend the festivities but delivered a recorded video message on January 28, 2011. Manila Archbishop Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales formally opened the celebration with a Jubilee Mass on January 24, 2011 with a Papal Blessing carrying a Plenary Indulgence.

The University of Santo Tomas also hosted the 10TH Biennial Conference of the International Council of the Universities of St. Thomas Aquinas (ICUSTA) from January 26-28, attended by delegates from different countries and the President of the Republic of the Philippines, H.E.Benigno Simeon Aquino III as

Celebration

keynote speaker. The Opera “Cavalleria Rusticana” was staged by the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music on January 26 at the UST Medicine Auditorium in lieu of the Quadricentennial celebration. The most attended event was the unveiling of the Quadricentennial Monument at the Quadricentennial Park on January 27 by Thomasian Alumni Celebrities like Piolo Pascual (whom one of the statues was modeled), Charlene Gonzales (one of the female models of the statue), and a variety show at the UST Grandstand with numerous Thomasian Celebrities namely; Aiza Zeguera, Jamie Rivera, Gary Valenciano, Sarah Geronimo, Jenine Desiderio, John Lapuz, Robert Seña, UST Action Singers, and UST Salinggawi. The weeklong celebration was capped by performances of Thomasian Resident Performing groups; UST Salinggawi, UST Singers, Teatro Tomasino, alumni, bands, student groups, artists from the Conservatory of Music and a 20 minute fireworks display.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and Philpost released commemorative bills, coins, and postage stamps. The Rector of UST, Fr.Rolando dela Rosa, O.P. with the officials of BSP and Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) unveiled the commemorative

UST fountain

items on January 21 at the lobby of the Main Building of UST. The BSP is releasing P2 billion worth of P200 bills with an overprint of the quadricentennial logo, silver and gold medals with the image of Msgr.

Miguel de Benavides,O.P. (founder of UST). BSP will also release 400 special copies of two uncut P200 bills equal to P400, to match UST’s 400 years of existence.

The Philippine House of Representatives also passed Resolution No.51, last January 18, acknowledging UST’s achievements in its 400th year.

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QUADRICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION of the University of Santo Tomas Chronology of Events for 2011 DATE

EVENT

DESCRIPTION

March 25

Baccalaureate Mass for the Quadricentennial graduates

This is the closing of the AY 2010-2011 that marks the graduation of the students for the Quadricentennial year. Presentation of the Quadricentennial Scholars.

June 6

Opening of AY 2011-2012

Opening of the AY within the Quadricentennial Celebration

July 19

Opening of the UST Museum Visual Arts Gallery

A permanent exhibition of selected works from the UST Museum’s Visual Arts Collection

August 12-14

Operetta on the Life of Msgr. Benavides

Musical play to honor Msgr. Benavides, O.P. , UST founder

August 15

Inauguration and Blessing of the UST Gymnasium

Opening of the New UST Gymnasium

September 1-14

UST Exhibit in Paris

An exhibition on the University with a special section on UST and its connection with UNESCO and Paris, alongside with a concert at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris

September 24

Q Special Lecture sponsored by the UST Graduate School)

Sponsored by the UST Graduate School , a distinguished lecturer will discuss either entrepreneurship or issues related to the environment

Rosarium

• Vigil and visit of Our Lady of the Rosary of La Naval from the Sto. Domingo Church • Blessing of Rosarium , the Rosary Garden • Procession from UST to Sto. Domingo Church, Quezon City

Unveiling of the UST Martyrs’ Monuments

A permanent structure on campus in honor of the UST martyrs

September 29

November 22

December1, 2 Grand Christmas Concert Gala 52

A grand Christmas Concert for the 400th year of UST

The winners

Short StoryWriting Contest We are proud to announce the winners of our Short Story Writing Contest

First Prize Winner – for her sensitivity and sincerity of style, her vivid depiction of both a longing for one’s roots and gratefulness for one’s wings

“True colors”

By Lendsy G.Theodorsson

It had been just an ordinary but beautiful day. With blue sky, the sun shining and a few white clouds here and there. I was done with everything on my ‘’to do list’’ and as the sun set I went for my usual evening walk.

It was a wonderful evening with stars covering the sky as far as my eyes could see. I could feel a warm breeze and all of a sudden I could smell this Lendsy Theodorsson, is 24 year old, a student special scent. It was a familiar pleasant of Medicine and lives in Nässjö, Sweden. scent. I closed my eyes and embraced the scent with my whole being. I could feel my feet burying themselves into the sand, I could hear the children’s laughter, the roosters "Cocka-doodle-doo" making themselves heard even from the farthest ‘’barangay’’.I could even hear the tricycles and the fisherman walking with his harvest from the deep blue sea making himself heard by repeating the words ‘’lumayagan’’, ‘’isda lab-as’’. I felt my Lola’s hand on my shoulder, as she whispered in my ear ‘’cgeanak its time for dinner I made your favorite dish, let’s eat’’.

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The winners

I was filled with a feeling of pure happiness and as I opened up my eyes I had a smile on my face. I tried to inhale one more deep breath of that special scent but it was all in vain.

It was already long gone. For a moment it brought me back to a place I have not been to for a long time. Yet now I was left standing under the shiny bright stars which covered the evening sky and I continued my walk just like I was a few seconds ago. Somehow a thought of how to capture that scent into a jar crossed my mind and I thought next time it occurs I shall be ready to capture it and make it last for more than just a few but precious seconds.Those few seconds brought me back feelings I hadn’t felt for a very long time and to make them last just a few seconds longer would be irreplaceable. I cannot describe what those seconds did to me but they brought me back to life.

The warm breeze was no longer warm and I closed my red jacket to not feel the cold. As I went to sleep that night my dreams brought me back to a place I call home. It was the same place I had paid a short visit a few hours ago. Due to that scent my memorieswere brought back to life. It was as if my roots were pulling and telling me it is time you come home even if only for a visit, we missed you, you have been away for far too long, it is time to go back to where you belong. As I woke up I could feel that I was ready to spread my wings and let them fly me back home. My other home, the place that fills my heart with endless love, hopes, positive energy and compassion, joy and the sense of being complete.

Home can be in more than just one place, it’s the place where you have your loved ones you call your home. But the place where I see my true colors such as red, white and blue, the sun and the stars that’s where my roots are. The roots which brings me back, who calls on me who makes me cling to the real me even at moments when I feel lost and gone. I can always rely on my roots, that they will guide me on the right path and make sure that my wings will carry me and somehow see me through it all. My roots complete and see the real me for who and what I really am. All that feeling of beinglost worried and empty will dissolve itself into thin air. The moment I feel that special scent, get to bury me feet into the sand, hear the children’s laughter, the roosters"Cocka-doodle-doo’’, the tricycles and the fisherman selling his ‘’lumayagan’’ and my Lola embracing me telling me ‘’anakhwagka mag alala you made it back, your safe, ihayour finally home’’that’s when I know I’m back to the place where I belong.That is when I can feel the warm breeze caress my skin and the thrilling rush of the ocean empower me with a new vitalized kind of energy.

The root reminds you of who you truly are. The roots were the ones who once shaped you. Sometimes a feeling of where do I belong occurs when one has more than just one home, but it’s only temporarily.Learn how to use your wings and be guided by your roots and in return they will pay you back by giving you the place you need to feel that you belong. Never ignore your roots oryour wingsinstead give them attention and when time permits let your wings carry you back to the place you belong to your roots that’s also your home. Close your eyes, make a wish, hope and pray and before you know it you will be on your way.

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The winners

Second Prize Winner – for his exciting, vigorous and touching story about Anthony, a FilipinoEuropean who returns to visit his roots and his best childhood friend.

Second prize

“By The Stairs of Nostalgia�

By Angelo C. Fredriksson Elegantly in the sky the plane was depressing on its way to the landing strip of NAIA. Anthony was awoken by the attendant sincerely urging him to raise his seat and open the blinds. As he did the latter a pale orange light gingerly creeped in brightening Angelo Fredriksson is 25 years old, lives in the seemingly dark void of the plane's interior, Stockholm, Sweden and aspires to be a writer gradually it brightened up completely as the other blinds were also pulled up. Rejuvenating his face and spirits with a steamed towel and savoring the cup of Ceylon while gandering out the window seeing miniature boats and ships in the morning stillness of the South China Sea followed by the sight of nearby islands and land areas as he was approaching the mainland, he couldn't help but feel somewhat godlike from where he was situated; godlike yet not omnipotent enough and omniscient only just to a certain degree.

As the plane crept closer to landing the sight of the throng of roofs outside of the airport grounds struck a chord within Anthony. He hadn't yet set foot on the soil of his birthland and already all the excitement of finally returning to it after barely three decades of living in Europe had suddenly simmered down by the sheer strike of reality of which he hadn't yet prepared himself for. He began pondering over how much his business class ticket could've meant for at least one family living under one of those tin roofs in the squatters, it was a thought that managed to hit him only just then being the avid business class flyer that he was. The involuntary deep reflection managed to keep Anthony distant from the fact that the plane's tires already had touched the tarmac and was already taxiing to the arrival gate.

Coming out of the airport he was picked up by his cousin and drove him straight to his awaiting relatives at the provincial house a few hours from the capital city.Well there he was warmly welcomed by relatives who hadn't seen him ever since his parents brought him with them to live in Europe at his then young age of six.

He was clearly a completely different yet healthy man in their eyes that they had to bring out old childhood 55

The winners

photos of him (disregarding his embarrassment) to try to compare the Anthony then to the Anthony now.

After the lengthy hearty discussions and catch ups that spanned till after the end of their feast of a lunch meal, with zesty foods he rarely had the opportunity to taste since he moved out from his parents house during college, most of his relatives left the house to allow him some rest.

On the third day at the province Anthony attended to business matters over his smartphone; he had left it in his room ever since he arrived to the province, he was simply there to get away from work for at least a few days. He had instructed his assistant to hold off all calls and messages for a few days and only call him if it were of utmost importance. To his relief the silent messages he received were mundane update reports on how his business had been doing the past days.

Looking out the window after the message a warming sight caught him off guard. A slim brown man was walking by a fair distance from the window carrying what seemed like a heavy sack over his head. As the man walked he turned his head towards the window, waved and gave a smile to Anthony as if also indicating that he'll be right back. Although he had matured as much as he himself did, Anthony recognized him fully well.

The man later did return but this time looking more fresh and wearing cleaner clothes than he did earlier as Anthony sensed that he had taken a quick shower. An air of overwhelming silence came about when the two met up, both of them smiling. They shook hands and embraced one another, a few firm claps on both backs were also appreciated. ”It's so good to see you, Gabriel!” Anthony mustered in struggled Tagalog. ”I never thought I'd live to the day that you'll return, thought you had forgotten about this place.” ”Never. I've just been very busy with work and all.”

The two of them walked to Gabriel's house which still looked as how Anthony remembered from their childhood days.They went up and sat on the stairs and more or less recapped for each other how their lives have played out since they last saw each other, when they were kids they used to sit on the wooden stairs in front of the house and talked nonsense every day.

Gabriel shared of that he's now married and have four children, that the farthest place he's gone is Manila, that he's been working at the plantation ever since he dropped out of high school and is occasionally driving the tricycle whenever he needed to make ends meet. Anthony felt hesistant to share about his stainless life to not come off as braggadocious, instead he simply said after studies he started working for an internationally renowned company which he now has a big seat in; that although the high-paying work makes him travel almost all over the world the work is so highly demanding for him that he doesn't get much time for himself... therefore he took the much needed vacation going to the one place he felt truly at home.

Gabriel listened with awe and didn't look the least bit envious, he was rather happy for Anthony's success and complimented him. Though, Gabriel pictured the life of Anthony as if he himself had experienced it all and couldn't help but wish he too had experienced the same privileges and high class benefits even for just one day. Anthony himself had sought for the benefits of the simplicity and liberty that came with Gabriel's life. For a moment of reflective silence they both wished they could switch places. ”Remember we sat on these stairs one day and you asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up?You said you wanted to ride the carabao and be the master over it. You were so confident and I wasn't prepared at all, so I just looked around and quickly pointed at the strange and stiff white bird high up in the sky and said I wanted to ride that.” They laughed warmly at remembering this. ”Funny how that turned out to be completely true for the both of us!” Gabriel said gleefully. ”Yeah, we both got what we wanted, huh?”

Anthony was joyful inside of recalling their long almost lost memories, completely savoring the joyous and carefree moment with his childhood best friend. He didn't want to leave it for anything in the world. Then his phone suddenly rang in his pocket. The smile melted off his face when after answering the call he was notified of that he had to hop on the next best possible flight and head to the head office for an urgent conference regarding someone's stepdown which left him eligible for the CEO seat.

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Peace Talks

Philippine Government

– NDF Peace Negotiations in Oslo A Test for President Noynoy

From left to right: Alexander Padilla, Chief Government Negotiator, GBH Panel Chair Person, Ambassador Ture Lundh, Norwegian Special Envoy to the Peace Talks, Luis Jalandoni, National Democratic Front Panel Chair Person

Members of the delegation and guests taking a break for a group picture

Holmen Fjord Hotel, Nesbru, Norway. The first negotiation rounds between the government of President Benigno Aquino III and the revolutionary front NDF since 2004, took place in this hotel in 15-21 February 2011.

negotiations are ongoing. During the pre-negotiations in January, government head negotiator Alex Padilla emphasized on behalf of President Noynoy Aquino that “we have never looked at the NDF as terrorists”..

Since 2001, Norway has been facilitator for the peace process between the Philippine authorities and the National Democratic Front (NDF). The formal talks broke up in 2004. The two parties have been in Norway to try and come to agreement over a conflict that has been going on for over 40 years.

Alexander Padilla, leader of the government delegation, and Luis Jalandoni, leader of the National Democratic Front (NDF), signed the protocol after the first formal negotiation rounds in over six years.

The negotiations will cover four areas: 1. Human Rights; 2. Social and Economic Reforms, 3. Political and Constitutional Reforms, 4. Permanent peace agreement, and demobilization

then

Both parties have introduced ceasefire while the

The round in Oslo opens for concrete negotiations on social and economic reforms. The concluding communiqué in Nesbru was followed by a traditional “mabuhay”.

The Government and the National Democratic Front have agreed on the following points: *To resume the work in the Joint Monitoring Committee which oversees the resumption of the agreement on respect for human rights and international law (CARHRIHL), which is the first part of the four points in the negotiations plan. *To establish working groups for social and economic reforms which is the phase where the negotiations are now in. *To form working groups for political and constitutional reforms which is the third phase in the negotiations * To take up measures for release of political prisoners, and immunity for NDF-advisers before the next negotiation round.

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Peace Talks

For his part, NDF chief negotiator Louie Jalandoni said that on behalf of the NDF in the Philippines,”it is an important endeavor to try and achieve a just and lasting peace thru a negotiated settlement,” but they also try to bring “the interest and concern of the workers, peasants, NDF consultants, political prisoners in the negotiating table as well as the big issues of human rights, socio-economic reforms including land reform.”

14 other NDFP duly-accredited and JASIG-protected persons arrested by the Philippine government.

Jalandoni also confirmed that both panels have been through tough negotiations saying that, both parties have “to deal with diverse positions and conflicting stances, “but that the NDF does not “underestimate the difficulties but is willing to look at the opportunities and challenges. “

Meanwhile, Padilla also said that the government is looking at a possible but realistic time frame for the peace process, and that he sees “a peace agreement signed in three years."

The informal talks in Oslo nearly broke down after both parties disagreed on the fate of the three NDF consultants with pending warrants of arrests and the

Signing of the agreement

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The impassé was only broken when the Philippine government agreed to work on the demand of the NDF within the first and second rounds of the formal talks.

The NDF expects to have three of their consultants facing charges to join their panel in the next round of negotiations in February.

”He also added that the best possibilities for peace is during the Aquino presidency, and that he does not want “to burden the next administration with the peace process.”

Sealed with a handshake

Peace Talks

Background - Philippine Negotiations: - The New People’s Army have been fighting against the authorities in the Philippines since 1969.

- Introductory discussions between the parties were started under President Cory Aquino in 1986. A short arms truce in 1998 - Negotiations with President Fidel Ramos led to the frame agreement in 1998.

- There was a break in the agreements when President Joseph “Erap” Estrada signed the VFA (Visiting Forces Agreement) with the USA in 1999

Alexander Padilla, Chief Government Negotiator, GBH Panel Chair Person, Ambassador Ture Lundh, Norwegian Special Envoy to the Peace Talks, Luis Jalandoni, National Democratic Front Panel Chair Person

- Norway takes over as facilitator in 2001.

- There were negotiations in Oslo in February, April and June 2004. There was a break in August 2004, with the USA’s and the EU’s terrorist listing of the New People’s Army and Joma Sison.

- In an informal meeting in Hongkong in December last year, the parties agreed on a ceasefire and to start negotiations in Oslo in February.

Ref.: Report by Peter M Johansen, Klassekampen, Norway

The Peace Talks delegates

Peace Deal Eyed in 3 Years

By Macel Ingles, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau ASKER, Norway - After four days of tough negotiations, the Philippine peace panel finally agreed to push through with the formal resumption of the peace talks next month. The decision to restart the formal talks was announced by Norwegian Special Envoy to the Peace Talks, Ambassador Ture Lundh at a press conference at Holmen Fjordhotel in Asker about 20 kilometers from Oslo.

Both panels also signed during the press conference a joint communiqué in which the parties agree to the resumption of the talks, and for the Philippine government “to work for the expeditious release of detained NDFP consultants and other JASIG-protected persons in compliance with the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG),” and that they will “recommend to their respective principals

ceasefire from February 15 to 21, 2011 as reciprocal goodwill measures to mark the resumption of the talks.”

“I am impressed by the two panel delegations as they have proved to us as Third party facilitator that they really have a desire for the peace process,” Ambassador Lundh said in the press conference.

Chief government negotiator Alexander Padilla, who chaired the government peace panel, acknowledged that both panels have been through “tough negotiations,” but said that they look forward to even more “tough discussions” saying that the next round will focus on “building a just and enduring peace” by “ tackling issues of socio-economic concerns.”

Socio-economic reform is one of the top agenda in the formal talks next month.

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A beach in Guimaras

Agri-Tourism of Western Visayas

Guimaras Island Enticingly rustic Home to the best mangoes in the world

By Wenceslao E. Mateo Jr.

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Welcome to Guimaras! If it is fresh and pure country air you want to relish for a change from the asphalt jungle and smog of the city, you have come to the right place when you visit the island province of Guimaras.

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful islands of the Philippines, Guimaras ‘ greatest ‘come-on’ to tourists are its hospitable and peace-loving people, their unique folk life, and the island’s unspoiled nature.

Guimaras is located at the heart of the “Pearl of the Orient Seas” (the Philippines, as known to the more poetic of heart) in the cluster of five other provinces of Western Visayas, spread in three neighboring islands.

The only island province is also the smallest province in the region, occupying only about three percent of the total land area of the region. It is only 604.57 square kilometers in land area divided into five municipalities, which are also subdivided into 98 barangays (villages).

As of the 2007 census, it has a population of about 150,000. However, small as it is, this island province of gently sloping and rolling topography has a big heart for visitors -- in its generosity to open its doors to an “unblemished simplicity of life, tranquility and rustic rural setting”-- as it declares itself as a “Tourist Friendly Destination”.

Rural Community Tourism. According to Guimaras tourism officer, Ms. Angeles Gabinete, Guimaras’ tourism promotion approach integrates natural beauty and the daily life of rural communities; promotes productive sustainable practices within its tourism offerings; and adapts itself to the dynamics of rural life and preserves the idiosyncrasies of the welcoming, relaxed, rustic atmosphere that characterize the rural areas of the country. This must also be the reason why its people are not worried if, in the meantime, their island province is tagged as “undeveloped” or “underdeveloped”, as this forms part of their present tourism package. They envision Guimaras becoming a world-class destination for the bulk of city folks in the country and all over the world on their back-to-nature trysts.

Guimaras Mangoes. One of the island’s major attractions are the world-famous Guimaras Mangoes, know as the “sweetest mangoes in the world”. There are some 8,000 hectares of mango plantations and backyard farming spread in its five agricultural municipalities, or towns. It is only from this island province that the United States imports its mangoes from the Philippines. Guimaras mangoes are known to

A boat from mainland Iloilo City to Guimaras with Balaanbukid in the background

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be found at the White House and Buckingham Palace.

“Manggahan Sa Guimaras” - Mango Festival, is an identity festival commemorating the provincehood anniversary every 22nd day of May. The festival was started by Gov. Emily Relucio Lopez, the first Governor of Guimaras on becoming a province in 1992, which has since then been celebrated to the present under Gov. Felipe Nava. The festival depicts the cultural heritage of the island province with emphasis on the promotion of Guimaras as ”Mango Country”. It is a week-long celebration showcasing Guimaras products, cuisine, and services. It is highlighted by the Search for Miss Guimaras and Miss Manggahan.

An agricultural island of bounty. Aside from its famous mangoes, which are sold fresh and also processed into mango jams, juices and dried mango, Guimaras also produces various agricultural products for local consumption and for the outside market. These include rice, corn, vegetables, cashew nuts, citrus fruits like

calamansi, pomelo and oranges, salt from its various salt beds, honey, propolis or natural antibiotic, bread with honey and candle with bee wax soap with honey.

Festivals and Events: “Pagtaltal sa Guimaras” is a Lenten presentation on Good Friday staged in the capital town of Jordan patterned after Oberammergau in South Bavaria, Germany. The final act of the play shows Jesus being taken down from the cross and laid on his mother’s lap. The climax of a trip here is a visit to Balaan Bukid (Holy Mountain) overlooking Iloilo City about two miles across the Iloilo Strait. It is a pilgrimage site for Catholics.

The Mountain Bike Festival, makes it the home of one of the wildest mountain bike races in the country. The festival is a multi-event team sports which involves mountain biking, coastal and mountain trekking, a call to rediscover, and adventure. The Guimaras Mountain Bike Association (GUIMBA) spearheads its main event, the Governor’s Cup Mountain Bike and

Manggahan sa Guimaras

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Downhill Competitions. The festival aims to promote bicycling as a sport, environmentalism as a way of life, and Guimaras as an ecotourism destination. Off-time from the Mountain Bike Festival, enthusiasts may still go mountain biking here in a terrain specially adapted to beginners or just for the exercise and the fun of it.

The biking route consists much of the island’s flat coastal plains. In fact, it is the playground of the members of the Iloilo Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) based in Iloilo City.

Historical, cultural and religious landmarks. A visitor can find the McArthur Wharf (Buenavista Wharf), originally built by Lt. Douglas McArthur in 1903. In the town of Buenavista, is Camp Jossman, the target range and military camp constructed by the United States Army also in 1903. The Guisi Lighthouse in Dolores, Nueva Valencia is an 18th Century structure with Spanish ruins located on top of the mountain, making it very visible during nighttime to guide mariners

passing through Guimaras. In the capital town of Jordan, one can find the Trappist Monastery, the only contemplative Catholic monastery in the Philippines.

It is run by the order of Cistersians of the Strict Observance. Also in Jordan is the Ave Maria or Balaan Bukid (Holy Mountain) Shrine where a large cross marks its location on top of the mountain overlooking Iloilo City across the Iloilo Strait. Navalas Church, the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the island province, can be found in Navalas, Buenavista. One can also find in Jordan the Jordan Plaza, the smallest in the whole world with the size of only a basketball court for kids.

It has a small stage and a few concrete benches around for small-group programs.

Roca Encantada. The Enchanted Rock, another famous heritage site which is the Lopezville Summer House in Buenavista. The house was built by the Lopez clan in 1910 in honor of DoĂąa Presentacion Hofilena Lopez. It has been declared as a heritage house by the National Heritage Institute.

Having fun in Guimaras

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Caves and Waterfalls. The island province is home to many interesting caves and waterfalls. Some 24 beach resorts dot its coastlines with long patches of white sands comparable to those of Boracay Island, also in Western Visayas and the country’s top destination for both domestic and foreign tourists. Many of the islets are like home with lots of nature for a wonderful family sojourn.

motorcycle with a sidecar), a multicab or one of the few taxicabs in the island province. For a direct drop-off on the beach of destination, a chartered native motorboat, which can carry as many as 30-40 passengers, can provide safe travel by sea for groups. Guimaras can also be reached in 10-15 minutes from Iloilo City, the gateway to the region, on board one such native motorboat. Iloilo City, itself, can be reached by airplane from Manila, the country’s premier metropolis, in less than one hour, or by passenger ship in about a day.

SEAFDEC Marine Substation, Igang, Nueva Valencia, is the substation complex of the Southeast Asian Fisheries and Development Center based Guimaras, as a dedicated in the town of Tigbauan in Bathers having fun the province of Iloilo. It is composed of several islets rural tourism province, aims to be the Agri-Tourism interconnected by a network of pontoon boardwalks. capital of Western Visayas, or the Philippines! It Attached to the boardwalks are propagation pens for has been adjudged Best Western Visayas Emerging Destination for three consecutive times for its Guisi experimental purposes and commercial fishes. community-based heritage tourism project. It was also Transport. The tourist destinations in the island- awarded for the third consecutive time as Best Tourism province may be conveniently reached on land by Oriented LGU (provincial category) last December 6, boarding a jeepney (an improved version of the 2009 by the Department of Tourism. Come, visit and military jeep left by American soldiers), a tricycle (a be captivated!.

Roca Encantada

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Waking up to a dream in Coron The Calamianes Islands of Northern Palawan Text by Travel Island Photos by Angie de Silva The first time would be in early 2000, via the Super Ferry since cruising to Coron was still just an idea and flying there was next to impossible. I remember the moment because I was barely awake.

Still enjoying the warmth of the sheets and hovering between dreaming and consciousness my fuzzy gaze wanders to the tiny cabin window where a heavenly glow seems to be seeping through the dark space. I return to my sleep, I believe, dreaming of a place of jagged isles floating on deep blue waters. I open my eyes again, and I see more strange-looking isles – rocks towering from the waters – and I wonder if I’m still dreaming. As a kid we’ve imagined a fantasy world like Tolkien’s LOTR or C.S Lewis’ Narnia: a place with exotic wonderful creatures peeking from hidden coves.

An adventure in a mysterious wonderful world… it seems alien to my eyes. A beautiful eerie kind of alien and I never could believe that such a place exists. As I watch I realize this is Coron. I am awake. And this is paradise.

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Coron is part of the Calamianes Islands located in the northernmost part of Palawan. Sandwiched by Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and mainland Palawan. There are 687 islands in the Calamianes and Coron is one of the three largest, along with Culion (the former Leper Colony and Spanish Fortress), Linapacan (another Spanish Fort) and Busuanga Island where the airport is located. Coron Island itself is a protected area and the ancestral domain of the Tagbanua Tribe, whose main source of livelihood is gathering the very expensive balinsasayaw spit which Chinese traders use for Bird’s Nest Soup. Sounds a bit disgusting but the balinsasayaw or swiftlets saliva is known to have some medicinal benefits…according to the Chinese.

Coron Town is unassuming. A small laidback place where everyone seems to know everybody and mixed with different people from Cuyo (another small island group), visayans, and palawenos. From here guests gets the best view of Coron Island. Recently, a new

resort opened in Coron Town, Coron Gateway Hotel & Suites. The first of its kind when it comes to comfortable luxury with its huge rooms, and great vista of the islands surrounding Coron, Coron Gateway Hotel & Suites is at the center of all activities, just a few steps to the pier where the boats are ready to take you for an island hopping excursion. They provide ready tour packages with everything included so their guests don’t have to worry about planning a trip.

There are a lot of things to do to Coron. My favorite itinerary starts with Coron Island itself. Within its dark façade are seven lakes and lagoons, but for preservation purposes only three are open to the public. In a way this gives the island a mysterious edge than other travel destinations. Being allowed only a peek of what the whole island has in terms of wildlife makes it more enticing. Kayangan Lake is a nice one; it gives hikers a good stretch. The boat enters the crevices of the island, bordered by two towering cliffs and a

Calamianes coral reef

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The emerald blue waters in Calamianes

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hush is felt in the waters. The Tagbanuas believe that spirits guard the island from outsiders, and that is why respect should be given to it (no littering, no spraying, no loud noises). It is a privilege to be in Coron Island, Kayangan Lake for example is one of the cleanest lakes in Asia. It is composed of brackish water, which is part salty and part fresh. It is located inside Coron Island so it’s a bit of a short hike going up the steps and down the other side. But the view is fantastic both ways, and swimming in Kayangan Lake is the best experience one can have in the Philippines.

not that hard but you just have to have good lungs.

Twin Lagoon has some thermal water seeping below so swimming in the lagoon gives you a hot and cold sensation because the hot water below mixes with the cold water above.

After Kayangan Lake, you can visit Barracuda and Twin Lagoons. Twin Lagoon is another one but this has to be scheduled correctly with the tour guide.

Depending on your capabilities and the tides. Low tide, you can just swim through the small opening that will take you to the other lagoon. High tide, you’ll have to hold your breath and dive through the opening – you’ll be diving below the island to the other side. It’s

Banol Beach in Coron Island is where you can relax and have a picnic. And swim with leisure on its white beach. There are no sudden drops so it’s very kidfriendly.

Snorkeling paradise is Siete Pecados Marine Sanctuary.

For none divers this is a must must must. In the midst of seven islets is a bustling marine park where corals are as big as king size mattresses and fish of every size, shape, color, and patterns are found.

But that’s just within the compound of Coron. Search the distance and there are more islands waiting to be discovered for another day. (To be Continued…)

Bunca Lagoon

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Kayaking in Calamianes

Palawan is known to be Asia’s Last Frontier according to Jacques Cousteau. It has one of the few remaining Rain Forests in the Philippines. It is the nursery of many different kinds of species such as the Dugong (sea cow) and the Calamian Deer. Imagine in Coron Island itself, there are many exotic species that haven’t been named yet.

The northern islands of Palawan can be visited year-round. It is hardly hit by typhoons since small islands on all sides protect it. One can kayak, windsurf, and dive in Coron.

During the end of World War II, the US Air force guns down a whole Japanese fleet as they were hiding in the waters of Coron disguising their vessels as islands. Wreck Diving in Coron is the best there is in the world.

Coron Town is also known to have one of only three saltwater hot springs in the world. Entrance fee to this place is Php50. The other hot springs are found in Italy and Japan.

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If you wish to visit Coron or Guimaras Island, Roots&Wings has a Travel Representative in Manila, Maria V. Tajanlangit of 7107 Island Travel.

Maria will be delighted to arrange a package trip for you, according to your specification, including airport pick up, hotel accomodation, buss, boat or air transfer to/ from destination, sightseeing, activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, trekking, shopping etc. For more information and price quotation, please contact Maria V. Tajanlangit 7107 Island Travel 2/F Palawan Center 832 Arnaiz Ave. cor. Paseo de Roxas Makati City Island Travel Phone + 0063 (2) 887 7107 Fax +0063 (2) 887 4590 P.S. A Special Hotel Discount Rate will be given to Roots&Wings readers

Lake Cliff

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Calamianes islands

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Lot For Sale 1321 square meters PHP 13 M / Negotiable Located at corner Fajardo and Cuartero Streets, Jaro, Iloilo City, Philippines.

The lot is within easy reach to supermarkets, churches, schools, colleges, niversities, banks, restaurants, hotel, etc.

Andrea Colquhoun 16 Alexandra Road Mitcham Surrey CR4 3LT United Kingdom Tel: 442086464181 Mobile: 07753465833 E-mail: a.colquhoun@btinternet. com Skype: andrea.colquhoun44 72

Greetings from Greece

Filipinos and Greeks in Athens enjoying friendship and filoxenia (hospitality).

Photos by Yoko Ramos

The writer with Getsy Tiglao, Colin Bretteon, Jing Whirfield and Chu Bretteon

With Dr ELiana Leukodis, Mrs Leukodis

With the Gedeon beauties

With the Greek Cardiologist Dr Helen Marcoyanopoulou-Fojas and Dr Marcos Fojas

ASPAC dinner hosted by the Chinese Ambassado

The Vingnos with Mr & Mrs Raftopoulos

CDA Vingno at ang iba't ibang lider ng mga assosasyon

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Roots&Wings

We invite our kababayans in Europe to contribute articles on * Cultural Issues * Cultural Events * Places * Travel * Nature * Career Achievement * Business Development * Job & Study possibilities * Life- Enrichment projects , etc * Other relevant articles on books, movies, fashion, design, food * Please attach high quality photographs in jpg-format

We are looking for Bureau Editors and Distributors in Oslo, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Barcelona, Vienna, Amsterdam, Reykjavik, Helsinki, Berlin, Edinburgh, Dublin and other cities in Europe Please email rachel.hansen@ugatpakpak.com for more information Roots&Wings magazine is available in the following countries: Sweden: MaiMai Asian Market, Holländargatan 9A 11136 Stockholm Tel 0046 70 496 99 00 Ms Alicia Andersson Ringvägen 29 918 32 Sävar Tel. 0046 70 514 5684 Norway: LTB Trading, Luz Bergersen Ravnåsvn 46-C 1254 Oslo Tel 0047901 308 71 Reneé Ikdal Rudleveien 6 4070 Stavanger - Norway Tel. + 47 418 55 742 Myra Celeste Isaksen Indre Steinsvik 25-C 5239 Radal - Bergen NORWAY Tel. +47 55 16 57 49 Mob. + 47 40 84 29 75

Greece: Doije Garcia Hair & Scissors 9 Argolidos Street Ambelokipi 11523 Athens Tel +30 210 6998213 UK: Juliet Locsin 42 Basterfield House Golden Lane Estate London Tel 0044 207 251 0772 Leah Grewal 152 Bulstrode Avenue TW3 3AG Hounslow Tel 00442082309020 Switzerland: Zorina Wehrli-Auayang Pilatusstrasse 16 8032 Zurich Bem Negele Philair Logistics Schaffhauserplatz 3 8006 Zurich

Germany: Elisa Bombis, Knooperweg 42, 24103 Kiel, Tel 0049 431587 8372 Mrs Lucy Kampa Fair International Deal Services P.O. Box 1121 57794 Hude Tel 0049 4408 982202 Noel Copiaco CBN Germany GmbH Zeil 2 603 13 Frankfurt am Main Lourdes Mueller Windenweg 57A DE - 12357 Berlin Italy: Josephine Lareza via Dante Alighieri 14 IT-20027 Rescaldina Milan

Welcome to

White Rock zambales beach resort

White Rock Zambales Beach Resort is a 5.7 hectare property nestled along the beaches of Subic Bay, just 2 - hrs drive from Balintawak toll plaza. It is a leisurely drive passing through national highways, farmlands and scenic spots.

White Rock Beach Hotel is a premier Philippines beach resort located in Zambales.

Visit us also at Mountain Woods, another Philippines beach resort hotel inside the SBMA tourist center How to get there: By Land Via North Expressway, exit San Fernando northward to the Subic Tollway, exit Kalaklan Gate. Left turn until you reach km post 134 and White Rock sign post and TOTAL Gas Service Station. www.whiterock-beach-resort.com reservations@whiterock.com.ph

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