Premier Magazine PH Vol. 1.3 Women's Month Issue

Pr emier

Vol. 1

SAPERE AUDE

M ARCH, 2021 WOM EN'S M ONTH ISSUE

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy

EXPO 2020 Pavilion s Pr em ier e

TABLE

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CONTENTS

FRANKFURTERGROUNDROUND

MAGNAQUIS T- BONE

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Terra, The Sustainability Pavilion

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About the Cover

Celebrating Women's History Month Gracing our March cover is Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau and UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation.

We are greatly honored to have been given a chance to feature Dubai's sustainability initiative headed by a highly respected leader so deserving to be a role model for women and girls of this era.

She was born in 1978 in Dubai and earned a BA in International Relations and French from Tufts University.

In 2002 she received a Master's degree from Harvard University.

HE Reem Al-Hashimi is also chair of Dubai Cares, a children's education charity established by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum in 2007 and heads the Emirates Competitiveness Council and the National Bureau of Statistics. She was formerly the Deputy Chief of Mission at the United Arab Emirates' embassy in Washington, DC as well.

The relevance and importance of Expo 2020 send a message of hope to the world and with a female leader at the forefront of sustainability, more women leaders are what the world needs more of.

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DUBAI ?The Expo 2020 Pavilions Premiere was launched last January 16, 2021 in Dubai and will offer visitors an opportunity to be among the first to experience Terra ? The Sustainability Pavilion, when it opens to the public from 22 January until 10 April 2021.

The Pavilions Premiere is a limited-time opportunity for visitors to preview Expo 2020?s Thematic Pavilions and will provide a glimpse of what is to come when Expo 2020 Dubai ? the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region ? welcomes the world from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022.

On this page is the Sustanability Pavilion's feature called Under the Ocean which showcases amazing water creatures in the blue.

Terra, the Sustainability P avilion

Terra ? The Sustainability Pavilion, has been opened to the public since January 22 , while Alif ? The Mobility Pavilion and Mission Possible ? The Opportunity Pavilion will follow later in the first quarter of 2021. Pavilions Premiere bookings can be made from 16 January at https://expo2020dubai.com/en/pavilions-premiere with each visit costing AED 25. Visitors are urged to book early as the experience will operate five days per week with limited operating hours and capacity restrictions due to enhanced health and safety measures.

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau and UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation said: ?We are delighted to start 2021 on such a positive note as we welcome the UAE community to be the first to experience Terra ? The Sustainability Pavilion at a moment in our history that is unparalleled in terms of its impact on humanity.?This period of rapid, unprecedented change has brought with it a pressing need to rethink the way we exist, and is further accelerated by a global health crisis that has touched each and every individual on Earth. While 2020 may be remembered as a year that changed us forever, it has also given us a tremendous opportunity to come together as a global society and find answers to our most pressing challenges. ?This remains the focal purpose of Expo 2020 Dubai and the vision of the UAE?s leadership, while our Thematic Pavilions ? Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability ? rally the call for collective action to tackle these challenges in order to create a better future for all humanity.?

Visitors in January will be able to explore Terra and enjoy the unique surrounding public spaces which include a children?s playground, gift shop, dining and more.

Terra (which means ?Planet Earth?) will offer an immersive journey through the wonders of the natural world, including an interactive walk through the roots of the forest, where every footstep affects the ?wood-wide-web?. Uncovering the hidden harmful impacts of our choices, the emotive experience is designed to encourage visitors of all ages, and the younger generation in particular, to consider how their behaviour impacts the environment and breaks the cycle of consumerism, empowering them to become agents of change.

A playful, exploratory experience, Terra will remain in legacy as a Science Centre that will inspire sustainable choices for generations to come.

Under the Forest, Sustainability Pavilion

S ustainability P avilion Overview Sustainability is one of Expo 2020?s three key subthemes and the six-month event will serve as a platform to drive change, share solutions and explore new ideas that encourage us to act collectively in order to save our planet. The subtheme touches on the environmental, economic and social dimensions of the places where we live, and looks to create positive environmental impacts on a national, regional and global scale.

Expo 2020?s Sustainability Pavilion, named Terra (meaning Planet Earth,) will bring to life the UAE and Expo 2020?s commitment to sustainability, acting as a catalyst for change in the UAE, the region and globally.

Terra ? The Sustainability Pavilion will highlight the urgency of addressing negative environmental impacts, caused in large part by human behaviour, through an engaging, playful and personal experience that is designed to empower visitors, particularly children, to understand their impact on the environment, break the cycle of consumerism, and become agents of change.

The pavilion will also set an example for sustainable building design, extending into Expo 2020?s post-event legacy, when it will become a Science Centre that will inspire sustainable choices for generations to come. In legacy, the Sustainability Pavilion aspires to be a self-sustaining building generating 100 percent of its energy and water supply.

Ah m ed Al Kh at ib Ch ief Developm en t an d Deliver y Of f icer Expo 2020 Du bai Ahmed Al Khatib is Chief Development and Delivery Officer at Expo 2020 Dubai. He is responsible for the development, delivery and management of the Expo site masterplan as well as all its supporting utilities, infrastructure services, roads, networks and transportation. His role also involves managing the sustainability of the site, and coordinating with key government entities and stakeholders on the final design and construction of the site masterplan.

Other key responsibilities include the Visual Arts Programme, as well as the real estate of District 2020, Expo 2020?s innovative legacy project that will repurpose more than 80 per cent of Expo?s built environment.

The Expo 2020 Dubai masterplan is heavily influenced by the key theme of Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,and the three subthemes of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability, with one dedicated zone for each.

Ahmed joined the Expo 2020 Dubai team in 2015, having played a pivotal role in the development of the site masterplan during the UAE?s successful bid to become the host city.

Ahmed has more than 15 years of experience in end-to-end project delivery and construction in the field of buildings, utilities and infrastructure with blue-chip companies, such as Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai Holding Group, Roads & Transport Authority and Dubai Municipality.

He has played a key role in the delivery of major projects for Dubai, including the Dubai Airport Tunnel, access roads and bridges to Palm Jumeirah island, the infrastructure of Dubai Healthcare City Phase II, Dubai World Trade Centre Exhibition Halls and the mixed-use development on Dubai Trade Centre District Phase 1.

Ahmed holds a Bachelor ?s degree in Civil Engineering from the United States, as well as a Management Certificate from the London Business School.

Marjan Faraidooni, Chief Experience Officer, Expo 2020 Dubai said: ?Expo 2020 aims to be one of the most sustainable World Expos in history and supports the UAE?s efforts as a champion of green development, so it is fitting that our first visitors will enjoy a preview of the Sustainability Pavilion ? an interactive and personal experience that will highlight the urgency of addressing some of the world?s greatest environmental challenges. ?Showcasing the opportunities that unite us and how we can work together to create positive change, Expo 2020 will empower visitors of all nationalities, ages and interests to make more sustainable choices in their own lives.?

The iconic pavilion, designed by the world-renowned Grimshaw Architects, sets an example for sustainable building design. Built to be net-zero for both energy and water, it features 1,055 photovoltaic panels arranged on a 130-metre-wide roof canopy and atop a series of ?Energy Trees?. The pavilion also uses cutting-edge water-reduction strategies, water recycling and alternative water sources.

To manage capacity and provide an optimal experience, all visitors are required to make a timed-entry reservation in advance online.

Walk-in tickets will not be available. The experience will be open from 1500-2100 on Tuesdays to Thursdays, and 1600-2200 on Fridays and Saturdays, starting on 22 January and closing on 10 April 2021. To purchase tickets, or for more information, visit https://expo2020dubai.com/en/pavilions-premiere.

M ar jan Far aidoon i Ch ief Exper ien ce Of f icer Expo 2020 Du bai As Chief Experience Officer at Expo 2020 Dubai, Marjan Faraidooni oversees the development and operations of Expo 2020-led Thematic Pavilions and engaging exhibitions that bring to life the Expo 2020 theme of ?Connecting Minds, Creating the Future?and the sub-themes of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability.

Also, Marjan is in charge of the Expo School Programme, encompassing engagement initiatives targeted towards the school community and the development of a robust operating plan that ensures safe, educationally enriching visits for students throughout the duration of the once-in-a-lifetime event.

Marjan previously leads the strategy development of the Expo 2020 legacy programme. This includes the post-Expo city of District 2020, which is designed to offer and nurture a sustainable lifestyle, work-life balance and a vibrant community ? an ecosystem shaped to make people happier.

In June 2020, she was given the responsibility to also oversee the Human Resources Division at Expo 2020.

Before joining the Expo 2020 team in 2014, Marjan was Director of Portfolio Strategy at Dubai Holding, a government-backed global investment company. Her responsibilities included the development and implementation of strategies for companies across different industries, such as healthcare and real estate.

Earlier in her career, she worked in the Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, focusing on healthcare research and planning.

Marjan holds a Bachelor ?s degree in Human Physiology and a Master ?s degree in Public Health from Boston University.

In 2018, she was recognised by Arabian Business as one of their 50 Most Influential Women in the Arab world.

Fifteen thousand years ago, grasslands transformed into desert, and camels became the largest mammals in the region!

Learn about this and more as you journey across the Wadi, only at Terra ? The Sustainability Pavilion.

Joh n Bu ll Su st ain abilit y Pavilion Dir ect or Expo 2020 Du bai As Director of the Sustainability Pavilion, John Bull is responsible for overseeing the development of the visitor experience in and around the pavilion.

His role includes exhibition development, operational planning and, event programming, as well as managing the post-Expo transition of the pavilion into a permanent structure.

The Sustainability Pavilion tells the story of humanity?s relationship with the planet and challenges visitors to live in balance with the natural world. It is a key experience of Expo 2020, inspired by both Expo 2020?s sub-theme of Sustainability and its theme of ?Connecting Minds, Creating the Future?.

John has a passion for communication and a desire to enrich lives through compelling exhibitions and experiences. He has built a 20-year career around the development of visitor experiences within museums, including the London Transport Museum and a stint as an ?Explainer ?on the floor of the London Science Museum. Since moving to the Arabian Peninsula in 2011, he has focused on start-up visitor experiences, contributing to journals and respected academic publications.

John holds three Master ?s degrees ? one in Heritage Management and another two in the fields of Education.

M oh am ed AlAn saar i Vice Pr esiden t ? Com m u n icat ion s Expo 2020 Du bai As Vice President of Communications at Expo 2020 Dubai, Mohamed AlAnsaari is responsible for regional media engagements and communications.

He joined Expo 2020 from the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi, where he led the International Affairs and International Communications teams through to the end of a successful games.

Previous roles include senior research positions at government policy centres, including a post as Head of Digital Media.

Mohamed graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics, before completing a Master ?s degree in International Affairs at Zayed University.

M on a Al Ali Sen ior Con t en t M an ager ? Su st ain abilit y Pavilion Expo 2020 Du bai As Senior Content Manager for the Sustainability Pavilion, Mona Al Ali is responsible for the development and delivery of content and exhibits within Terra ? the Sustainability Pavilion.

Her role involves liaising with experts, providing assistance and key information to all parties to ensure the successful project management of the Sustainability experience.

Sustainability, along with Opportunity and Mobility, is a key sub-theme of Expo 2020. Terra ? which tells the story of man?s relationship with the planet ? is a must-see visitor experience during the six months of Expo 2020, inspired by the overarching theme of ?Connecting Minds, Creating the Future?.

Prior to joining the Expo 2020 team in January 2015, Mona was an analyst at the office of Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau and UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, where she conducted research on International Affairs to enhance bilateral relations with strategic countries on diplomatic, economic and cultural fronts.

S ustainability P avilion V isitor E xperience

The Deep Infinity Room

The Sustainability Pavilion is one of the Expo 2020 Dubai?s signature experiences. It will take millions of visitors on an immersive journey through the wonders of the natural world and inspire them to create a better, more sustainable future.

The emotive visitor experience tells the enchanting story of humankind?s relationship with nature, while addressing negative environmental impacts, caused in large part by human behaviour, helping visitors ? the younger generation in particular ?to understand their impact on the environment, break the cycle of consumerism, and become agents of change.

The Sustainability Pavilion covers 6,300 sqm and is capable of hosting 4,400 people per hour, with each visit taking about 45 minutes.

During Expo 2020, the pavilion also will host entertaining and enriching events, such as science shows and cultural performances that reflect the Sustainability subtheme.

Post-Expo, the Pavilion will continue to inspire future generations and serve as an example of sustainable design, with the building to become a Science Centre in District 2020 ? the new city that will evolve from the Expo site.

The visitor experience includes: ·A walk through time in an Arabianwadi, where cheetahs and mega elephants once roamed ·Huge installations inspired by iconic fairground attractions that explain key sustainability issues and concepts,including a giant balance maze requiring visitors to collaborate to bring the Earth into balance ·An interactive walk through the roots of the forest, where every footstep affects the ?wood-wide-web?, the amazing symbiotic network of roots and fungi that allow trees to communicate and share resources ·An exploration ?under the ocean?to discover the beauty and the mysteries contained within ·A journey through consumption halls, uncovering the hidden harmful impacts of our choices ·A meeting with ?Gnasher ?? a giant consumption machine that shows how natural resources are being destroyed to make consumer products ·An encounter with a deep sea fish whose system is clogged with discarded plastic waste ·A series of ?would you rather??scenarios to challenge visitors to consider how individual behaviours directly impact our planet ·The Laboratory of Future Values ? a hopeful space that presents solutions to the challenges, issues and worries raised earlier in the experience ·A request for visitors to make an individual pledge that supports positive change. This could be as simple as cutting back on food waste or not using single-use plastic

Designed by Grimshaw Architects, the Sustainability Pavilion is planned to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum green building standards.

Drawing inspiration from natural processes such as photosynthesis, the dynamic form of the pavilion is in service to its function, capturing energy from sunlight and fresh water from humid air.

Energy is generated through the highest specification of photovoltaic panels available, 1,055 of which are arranged on a 130-metre-wide roof canopy and atop a series of Energy Trees in the landscape.

Inspired by the ghaf tree, the Sustainability Pavilion canopy symbolises the whole pavilion experience. The ghaf tree is only found in the most arid climates, requires very little water to survive and has the ability to maintain entire desert ecosystems.

The roof canopy pattern follows principles of nature to maximise the area of solar panels and allow accessible cleaning systems to be deployed. The bespoke ?Energy Trees?are placed around the building to provide shade in external spaces and will track the path of the sun to generate as much power as possible.

In total, the building?s technology will produce four Gigawatt hours per year of electricity ? enough for a Nissan Leaf to drive halfway to Mars.

Energy is also saved by burying much of the occupied spaces below the ground and providing thick, insulated walls with minimal glazing. Simultaneously, the solar roof acts as a giant shade to reduce the sun?s heating effect.The orientation of the funnel shape of the pavilion canopy creates air flows that naturally ventilate the pavilion courtyard, as well as letting in ambient light, helping to reduce energy requirements.

The Sustainability Pavilion is built to be net-zero for both energy and water, using water-reduction strategies, water recycling and alternative water sources.

S ustainability P avilionD

esign

Condensation is collected from the air-handling system, filtered, disinfected and blended with near-surface brackish water, which is desalinated on-site to supply potable water for the pavilion. The hotter the air is outside, and the more people that enter the pavilion, the greater the volume of condensate produced for use inside the pavilion. Reed beds also help with natural filtration of water.

Located in the grounds of the pavilion there is also a ?Water Tree?. This showcase of cutting edge tech uses innovative, metal-organic framework that can capture moisture from the air like a sponge, entirely powered by the sun.

The Sustainability Pavilion and surrounding grounds cover approximately 25,000 sqm and feature innovative irrigation techniques ? including a greywater recycling system ? and local plants to reduce water by 75 per cent. Drawing on the region?s rich biodiversity and the striking ways in which nature has adapted to harsh climates and challenging conditions, the demonstration gardens show new crops being developed for arid climates that could contribute to future food security in the region.

The pavilion grounds are being designed to be a bee-friendly environment. Bees that were originally moved away from the Expo 2020 site during construction will be rehoused in a hive on the site after Expo closes its doors.

The E-Trees dotted around Terra ? The Sustainability Pavilion each have 6 rotating solar panels that follow the sun?s path from sunrise to sunset.

This enables the E-Trees to generate power, collect & store 25% more energy than static solar panels and provide shaded seating areas for guests.

World Expos are platforms for collaboration, innovation and inspiration, and Expo 2020 will welcome more than 200 participants and millions of visitors, bringing the world together in a spirit of hope and optimism to help shape a better, more sustainable future for all.

S ustainability P avilion C ollaborators The Sustainability Pavilion?s content was created in collaboration with US firm Thinc Design and the UK?s Eden Project: Thinc Designaims to provoke meaningful conversations about the world in which we live.

Through designing exhibitions and attractions as diverse as art museums, science centres, aquaria, zoos and brand experiences, the organisation?s goal is to transform how people think about the world and each other.

The Eden Project is an educational charity whose mission is to connect us with each other and the living world, exploring how we can work towards a better future. Its visitor destination in Cornwall, UK, is nestled in a huge crater. Here, massive Biomes housing the largest rainforest in captivity, stunning plants, exhibitions and stories serve as a backdrop to striking contemporary gardens, summer concerts and exciting year-round family events.

Local landscape architectsdesert INKcollaborated on the design of the Sustainability Pavilion grounds.Since 2015, this UAE-based Landscape Architecture studiohas been behind some of the most exciting projects in the region.From sustainable eco-hotels, desert parks and urban plazas, desert INK?s regionally responsive view on design is consistently pioneering and environmentally sustainable.

Connecting Minds, Ter r a Su st ain abilit y Pavilion , Du bai EXPO 2020 , Du bai Bu r eau

Creating the Future.

Pr ist ine

W aters

Samal is the only city in the country that encompasses two entire islands, hence its name as the Island Garden City. While pristine beaches dot the island's shores, hills dominate the middle portions of the island. Talikud Island is located southwest of the main island.

Samal

I sland G arden C ity

The name Samal was derived from the Sama-Bajau peoples, the natives who were the first inhabitants of the island. The first datu in the island was Datu Taganiyug, a native of what is now Peñaplata, today the governance center of the city.

T ranquil From Dubai, we take you to the tranquil , almost hypnotic waters of Samal, the biggest resort city of the Philippines.

The Island Garden City celebrates its founding anniversary every first week of March and with the restrictions easing up a little, forty-eight of 120 registered resorts in Garden City were allowed to open last March 1, 2021, according to Araceli Ayuste, president of the Samal Resort Owners Association and Davao del Norte Tourism Council.

The most popular of these resorts is the Pearl Farm Beach Resort, owned by Ms. Universe 1973 winner, Ms. Margarita Moran. The Department of Tourism named it one of the best visiting islands in Mindanao and currently one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the country.

For more information please visit the Pearl Farm website at http://www.pearlfarmresort.com/ Credits: Pearl Farm Beach Resort , DOT, TMT

A m u lt if acet ed m an in r eal lif e, n ow Depar t m en t of Social Welf ar e an d Developm en t Asst . Secr et ar y Vict or Ner i t akes on an ot h er r ole t o ser ve h is cou n t r y.

Victor Luis Juan H. Neri aka Victor Neri is a multi-awarded Filipino actor, who became a household name in the 90's. He led a colorful life by engaging in challenging tasks from becoming a chef in Thailand and learning Mandarin. He has proven that time spent educating oneself will always lead to a purposeful existence. Our search for water related stories brought us to the Philippine Coastguard where he's also associated with. Here's an interesting Q & A that's worth your while.

M or e t h an a year af t er t h e pan dem ic w as declar ed w h at ch an ges h ave t ak en place in you r lif e an d car eer in gen er al?

Actually, when ECQ/lockdown was declared I was already working for the DSWD. I was still being oriented of what I will be doing then suddenly the pandemic hits, so I was tasked to reach the stranded , displaced , abandoned workers here in NCR , so I went around with the Social workers and we gave help like food packs etc ?

V

I think all of us realized the importance of life and what we have , we have all been busy thinking of ourselves (which is not wrong ) but it was a wake up call with regards to being prepared for an emergency .

N

As an act or you h ave por t r ayed m an y r oles, an d in r eal lif e, you also t ook on r eal r oles. Wh at br ou gh t you t o t h ose decision s?

I have been an Actor for 30 years now , and yes I have portrayed a handful of roles . I started when I was 14 years old, so, roles from teens, 20s young adult, 30 adult mature, 40s mature roles .

Privately outside being an actor I have taken somewhat an alternative role , it is my way of giving back to our country through public service.

You excel in m ost of you r u n der t ak in gs. Wh at m ot ivat es you ?

What motivates me ? hmmm , well i have a very competitive nature I always challenge myself and I am always looking for new things to learn to improve myself.

Bein g a pu blic ser van t k eeps you bu sy, w h at do you h ope t o ach ieve?

Being a public servant is no joke it eats up 90% of your time , what I hope to achieve ? well I just want to do a good , work efficiently , Lead by example and hope to help as much as I can during my appointment .

Wh at ar e you r f u t u r e plan s in polit ics?

Politics ? I don?t know , I was just called to serve . if the people want me to serve then I will serve.

How do you see you r self in t h e n ext f ive year s?

I am actually enrolled in Law School at the New Era University. So to answer your question where do I see myself in 5 years? hopefully passed the BAR and a Practicing Lawyer hahaha.

You ar e livin g pr oof t h at con t in u ou s lear n in g doesn't h ave an y age. Is t h er e an yt h in g you w ou ld st ill lik e t o en gage w it h an d lear n ?

As I mentioned yes I always have the drive to learn , after law maybe further studies in the legal field.

Is t h er e an y f ilm pr oject s you h ave in m in d or ar e you st ill w or k in g on it ?

As of moment I have no time to do films or tv , though I still get scripts sent but my focus is my task at hand .

Ou r t h em e t h is M ar ch is all abou t w at er , w om en , an d w in e. You r n am e cam e u p becau se of you r associat ion w it h Ph il. Coast gu ar d. Ar e you st ill act ive as a m em ber ?

My connection with the coast guard was purely training , before working at then DSWD I was in law enforcement, I was with the immigration Fugitive search unit so I got to appreciate studies in counter terrorism , so I trained to be a EOD tech. or civilian term is bomb squad .counter terrorism, cqb etc?

Kin dly sh ar e w it h u s h ow act in g, disposin g of bom bs, an d bein g a ch ef con n ect t o w h er e you ar e t oday.

Acting will always be a part of my life , it's my medium for expression of my artistic side , being a bomb technician on the other hand gives in to my technical side of interest just like the study of law. And being a chef ? well ? I don?t know I just like to cook and I was challenged I wanted to see if I could do it haha.Having cooking skills is one those things I know how to do that does not feel like work and it is a good skill to have.

Is t h er e an y callin g lef t u n f u lf illed f or you ?

I don?t know but for now peace and order , law and public service is what I think I was born to do and will do for the remaining years of my life .

DSWD Asst. Secretary Victor Neri at Penaplata District II, the City Garden of Samal with his team during one of their aid distribution activities to fisherfolks affected by the pandemic.

World Water Day became a UN observance day in 1993. It seeks to focus attention on the global water crisis. On March 22, every year, people and organizations mark World Water Day by taking action to tackle the water crisis. World Water Day 2021 will focus on the theme 'Valuing Water '. This focus will extend beyond issues of pricing to include the environmental, social and cultural value people place on water. - International Institute for Sustainable Development, SDG Knowledge Hub

BEST TREATM ENT PLANT

WINNER OF WATER PROJECT OF THE YEAR 2020

Choa Chu Kang Waterw orks upgrade, Singapore and ACCIONA, Canada

Putatan 2 Drinking Water Plant, Philippines For the w ater project, commissioned during 2019, that show s the greatest innovation in terms of optimising its physical or environmental footprint.

Fish For ever cou n t r y leads? (f r om lef t ) Dian a Galvez, Hon du r as & Gu at em ala, Rock y San ch ez Tir on a, Ph ilippin es & Pacif ic Islan ds (t h e au t h or ), M on iqu e Galvao, Br azil, an d An gelica Den gco, M ozam biqu e.

Meet the RARE Women

By ROCKY SANCHEZ TIRONA Some of my earliest memories as a child are of being placed inside a drum filled with water to get an early taste of what it was like to swim.Since then, I?ve always loved being in water, whether in a pool, a lake, or best of all, the ocean.I am lucky to be working at Rare, an international NGO focused on addressing environmental challenges through behavior-centered solutions, so I actually get to think about the ocean, and the people who depend on them, every day.

I made the shift in mid-career 8 years ago.Back then, the NGO side felt like it was dominated by men with PhDs and I needed to do extra homework just to be ready for a meeting.In the field, fishermen would also be awkward about speaking with me. But I think a lot has changed, and now I see all the ways women are making a difference in marine and fisheries reform.Within Rare, my fellow country leads include Diana, Monique and Angelica---formidable women all.The head of our science team is a woman with a PhD, Courtney, who is wonderful at explaining larvae and fish life histories to the rest of us. Here in the Philippines, we have May, Elline, Meg, Cathy, Jay and more---working in program implementation, training, finance, keeping things moving and creative.I?m especially in awe of colleagues in Indonesia, like Eva and Ade, who have to convince their male colleagues that it?s worth the extra effort to conduct separate meetings for the women in a community, so they feel like they can speak up.

But the best stories are really in the communities.From Mayor Liza and Mayor Bebot, tough leaders who champion small-scale fishers and their families, to municipal staff like Gina and Joy, who enforce the rules, even at risk to themselves. I?ve met dozens of women who join management committees, the Bantay Dagat, or who organize savings clubs for fishing households.

They say women hold up half the sky.In my world, they?re also caring for at least half the sea.

W omen W orkingOn W ater Mayor Bebot Te of Libertad, Antique holds up a leadership pledge she signed, committing to support sustainable coastal fisheries

Women have been organizing and leading over 300 savings clubs at Rare sites, making sure fishing households have extra cash for emergencies and family needs

Rare is the leading behavior change organization in the conservation world.

For over 45 years and across 60 countries, Rare has motivated individuals, their communities, and their local leaders to adopt behaviors that benefit both people and nature.

A member of a fisheries management committee in Antique joins a training for community leaders

www.rare.org

About the Author: Rocky Sanchez Tirona is the VP for the Philippines and Pacific Islands of Rare, which is implementing a global coastal fisheries program called

D "I represented Parañaque in Miss Earth Philippines 2018 and landed in the top 18 semifinalist. I tried to vie for one of the Miss World Philippines 2018 titles, failed, but I landed as the grand winner for Jewel of the Philippines 2018. I represented the Philippines at the Jewel of the World and came out as 1st Runner Up." - Divine Veranga

D D

ivineI ntervention

From bodies of water to the body of work only women with substance can achieve, we are sharing with you our Premier conversation with Ms. Divine Angela Veranga as one of our Women's History Month personas. For her, failure is not an option but an opportunity to be more. She is one woman we are truly proud of, a real treasure.

Wh o in spir ed you t o join pagean t s ?

I have been told countless of times that I am fit to join beauty pageants, but I am most encouraged by my mother and sister. My mom has always told me that my father, whom I never met because he died when I was only 2 years old, wanted me to become a beauty queen.

I never joined because of two things: 1, we couldn't afford to allot money for trainings, gowns, makeups, etc; and 2, I doubted myself. I've always looked down on myself, not trusting the capabilities that I had. I was not confident of myself, but I knew I had to change for my mom, for my future. They always believed that I can do it and that I can be successful in whatever I do. I wanted to change and let myself grow. They inspired me to come out of my shell and venture into the doors that are opened before me because no one can say what I can and cannot do.

Wh at 's t h e m ost dif f icu lt par t of bein g in a pagean t ?

I think the most difficult part of being in a pageant is that you are constantly under pressure. You are always in front of scrutinizing eyes that expects a lot from you. You feel that you need to do everything others think is right just so you can please them. The pageant scene here in the Philippines is very harsh. Just a small mistake, a bad photo or rumors can easily destroy a girl's reputation. People are quick to judge and bash you based on what they see, not what they know. If you look bad at one photo, then you will receive tons of bad comments that destroys your confidence. Building confidence is hard, facing a million people is even harder, so why can't we just support a woman who was brave enough to show the world what she can do? Everybody is different, so beauty should not have types or standards. We don't have any right to push down someone just to make ourselves feel better.

If n ot a beau t y qu een , w h at w ou ld you be doin g?

If not a beauty queen, I would probably be a flight attendant to fulfill my mother 's dream or be in the government working under the tourism sector. I took up Tourism Management in college so I want to put what I learned to good use and do something for our country.

Wh at do you en joy doin g in you r spar e t im e?

I bake whenever I have some spare time on my hands. I'm a big sweet tooth so I love to bake some treats for me and my family. Baking is actually a very messy thing to do, but it takes away my mind on trivial things and helps me relax. I also enjoy reading books, watching tv series, and playing mobile RPG. Wh at 's t h e last book you r ead an d w h at 's on you r playlist ?

The last book I read was The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and most of the songs on my playlist are from Greenday, Paramore and Lenka. There are other artists but theres a lot to mention!

If a n ew in ven t ion w ou ld be h appen in g soon , w h at w ou ld t h at be?

If a new invention happens soon, I hope it is something that can help us eliminate all the garbage in the world in a single tap. We've done a great deal of damage to our home, and it will be hard to get it back to the way it used to be, so a boost using an invention would be very helpful to get on the right track. We only have on Earth, so we should do everything that we can to keep it a place where we can stay.

Wh at 's in side you r bag r igh t n ow ?

Right now? I have a small pouch with lipstick, lipgloss, powder and blush. My wallet, sunglasses, powerbank, usb cord, alcohol, perfume, breath mints, and a pen.

As a w om an , w h at im pr ovem en t s w ou ld you lik e t o h ave in you r lif e or in you r cou n t r y?

As a woman, the improvement that I would like to see is a society in which we are not subject to objectification anymore. Women are strong and capable, we deserve much more than just being seen as mere objects. We are in the modern era now, so discrimination and prejudices against women should be cast aside. Yes, we live in a society dominated by men, but women also has a place in this society. We should be working together towards a country free of objectification, one that values and respects women, one that empowers women and allows them to show their capabilities, and one that chooses to stand up for women instead of putting them down.

Wh at is you r idea of im pr ovin g ou r eco-syst em / en vir on m en t ?

I think that improving our ecosytem/environment starts with taking care of our waters because it plays a huge part in our daily lives. Without water, we can?t survive, nothing can grow and nothing can be made.

And to do this, we need to refuse plastic. Being the 3rd worst polluter of the world's oceans, we have to rethink the choices that we make when using plastic. We can reduce our consumption of plastic by investing in items that can be reused like your own water tumbler, straws, utensils or ecobags. If you missed your chance to refuse, reduce and reuse, you can always recycle the items that you've purchased and make it into something more useful like ecobricks than have the plastics end up in our oceans.

If you h ave billion s, h ow w ou ld you spen d it ?

If I had billions, I would spend it on building libraries all over the Philippines. I volunteer at our city public library branch that was built in a place which was a dumpsite before. They teach the kids how to read, write and even have feeding programs for them. I think their methods are very effective since I see the children's progress and the happy smiles on their faces. I would like something like this to be accessible in all parts of our country so that children who can't go to school will have a chance to learn how to read and write without being graded or pressured into having to keep up and have a place that can assist them if no adult is available. I love to read books, and as a child I had a place to run to when I had nothing to do or needed to escape reality. I want a place for Filipino children to be children, a place that can offer them knowledge, a place that can give them a fun time and not think of how harsh the world is.

Wh o's you r f avor it e M ar vel Su per h er o ?

(I'm not a marvel fan and haven't watched any marvel films, so I don't know how to answer this. Sorry po I dont want to just jump into the bandwagon without knowing them.)

How do you see you r self 10 year s f r om n ow ?

A lot can happen within a year and it's very unpredictable, but 10 years from now, I see myself as an accomplished woman. I hope that the years to follow will allow me the chance to be a flight attendant and work for the government. I am aiming to provide for my family who's been very supportive of me and has helped me all throughout every journey I took. After providing for them, I can focus on myself and cross out all of the items in my bucketlist!

Pin oy app addr essin g pan dem ic im pact w in s t h e Space Apps COVID-19 Ch allen ge

MANILA, Philippines - An integrated public policy information portal measuring the impact of the coronavirus pandemic developed by Filipinos won the Space Apps COVID-19 Challenge in the best use of data, the solution that best makes space data accessible, or leverages it to a unique application. Using Earth observation, in-country economic and human mobility data, and global infection case counts, data analysts Nick Tobia, Helen Mary Barrameda, Kristel Joyce Zapata, Theresa Rosario Tan, and Miguel Oscar Castelo fromCirroLytixcreated a dashboard for policy makers and economic planners to show the impact of COVID-19 on various countries and effects on the economy and environment.

Named G.I.D.E.O.N. (Global Impact Detection from Emitted Light, Onset of Covid-19, and Nitrogen Dioxide), the portal uses news feeds, Google mobility data, and coronavirus cases revealing the multi-dimensional impact of lockdown and other interventions. Night lights from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) and nitrogen dioxide levels from Sentinel-5P show current impacts and forecast effects of lockdown. Google's community mobility reports, global infection data from Johns Hopkins University, and nitrogen dioxide data reveal pollution levels produced by human activity, and monitor which countries keep air quality under control as they bounce back from lockdown and pave the way for the "new normal."

Data analysts Nick Tobia, Kristel Joyce Zapata, Theresa Rosario Tan, Miguel Oscar Castelo, and Helen Mary Barrameda from CirroLytix won the Space Apps COVID-19 Challenge.

It is the third time our country won this prestigious international hackathon of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and this special edition to address COVID-19 issues is in collaboration with the European Space Agency, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, the Canadian Space Agency, and the National Centre for Space Studies.

A Filipino film shot entirely in Dubai. Love or Money is a 2021 upcoming Philippine romantic comedy film starring Coco Martin and Angelica Panganiban, directed by Mae Cruz-Alviar, produced by Star Cinema. The film is scheduled to be released on March 12, 2021 on KTX and iWantTFC, and on pay per view channels on Sky Cable and Cignal.

?People ar e r eally list en in g an d w an t t o con su m e all of t h e con t en t t h at is t h er e an d available. Th er e?s a level of dedicat ion t h at com es f r om podcast list en er s t h at you don?t ot h er w ise f in d. An d n ow t h e n u m ber s pr ove it .

Podcast s ar en?t a bu bble, t h ey ?r e a boom ? an d t h at boom is on ly get t in g lou der .?

- M ir an da Kat z

Filipin os ar e chikadoras an d ot h er r eason s w h y podcast s in t h e Ph ilippin es ar e goin g m ain st r eam People may not see it yet, but the podcast industry is quickly growing in the Philippines. And however niche of a medium, it is a powerful kind of digital content. Similar to Grab, YouTube, and Netflix, podcasts will change the way we consume audio.

By Alina Co-Calleja These days, content creators and marketers are vying for people?s very short and limited attention spans. There?s too much competition, so little time, and the entertainment appetite is getting shorter by the day, with the rising popularity of Instagram stories, Snapchat features and TikTok. The rule of thumb is the shorter, the better.

Despite this narrowing global attention span, a long-form and aural medium is making its way to the top of our digital diet. Podcasts may have been around for a decade and a half already, but it?s been only been the past five years that U.S. and Europe have developed their podcasting industries, and the Philippines is quickly catching up.

Podcast Network Asia, a tech company founded by Filipino Ronster Baetiong, is betting and vetting that the podcast industry in the Philippines will explode.

List en in g in t en t ly Podcast is a made-up term combining ?iPod? and ?broadcast.? It was coined when someone figured out a way to download Internet radio broadcasts into his iPod. This is very telling of the nature of podcasts, which for a long time was only available to Apple or iPhone users. ?It attracts a certain social class, the early adapters, the tech-savvy people,? Ron Baetiong, founder and CEO of Podcast Network Asia, explains.

Ron likens podcasts to long-form articles on the Internet.?Compared to other forms of digital media, the main difference with podcasts is the intent of the listener. In other forms, people consume content to be entertained. The people who will migrate to this medium are the people who actually want to learn. The other stuff is secondary, like entertainment. Of course, you have to be entertaining. If you?re like a college professor or a preacher droning on, people are going to doze off,? Ron adds.

As a long-form format, the length of a podcast varies from fifteen to forty-five minutes.In order for a listener to seek out and engage with a podcast, he or she must be really into the subject matter. With this very intimate medium, the listeners are hardly passive.

?The listeners have a very specific taste in terms of long-form content.

Undivided attention just for audio. That?s rare.?

Podcasts are niche by default, catering to very specific interests. There?s a podcast forTitaswho are into Kdramas, a podcast for young parents, crime sleuths of cold cases, comedians, mental health advocates, Marvel comic book geeks. Name it, there?s a podcast for it.

?It?s really about finding your tribe, and giving that tribe a voice. That?s the beauty of podcasts; you don?t go wide, you go deep. Find your tribe, give that tribe a voice for what you stand for, and keep them coming,? Ron says.

Cr eat in g a n et w or k of podcast er s Before starting Podcast Network Asia (PNA), Ron himself found his own tribe through his entrepreneurship and business podcast. InHustleshare, he talks about his losses and wins as a struggling businessman, as well as features the stories of fellow Pinoy entrepreneurs.

Ron?s hustle paid off; he found a way to monetize his podcast, when everyone else were just podcasting for sheer passion. This inspired him to start Podcast Network Asia, kicking off the podcast industry in the Philippines, and helping podcasters monetize their shows and professionalize their craft.

He did this in two ways. First, he createdPodmetrics,an integrated analytics platform to empower podcasters. Because podcast publishing is decentralized (there are so many audio streaming apps),Podmetricswill help podcasters gather data quickly in one place, and use that data to optimize their podcasts.

Second is the production arm. PNA supports the production of existing podcasts that have a high listenership. Ron clarifies being part of the network entails a revenue-sharing arrangement only. The podcaster retains full ownership of the podcast.

?It?s the same way that Grab doesn?t own any of the cars and motorcycles out there,? Ron adds, describing his business model to be an aggregator one, as in most tech startup companies.

Also, since PNA sells analytics or podcast data, it?s able to function as a media agency, connecting podcasts to brands that fit the demographic, and vice versa.

As of this writing, PNA has 80 podcasts under its network, and around 400 subscribed toPodmetrics. Among its most popular shows areBoiing Waters PH, The KoolPals,The Budgetarianwith Enchong Dee,The Eve?s Dropwith Delamar Arias,Punch Linewith Alex Calleja, and most recently, Boy Abunda?sWho Are You When No One?s Watching?

With Tito Boy Abunda venturing into podcasts, Ron sees this as a solid sign that podcasts will truly become mainstream. It?s not a passing trend, or an indie movement, nor will it be strictly for the consumption of a certain kind of elite. ?It?s not indie because there?s tremendous growth. And I?ve seen their numbers.It?s growing every month. It?s exciting.?

?It ?s n ot in die becau se t h er e?s t r em en dou s gr ow t h . An d I?ve seen t h eir n u m ber s. It ?s gr ow in g ever y m on t h . It ?s excit in g.?

Un pr eceden t ed gr ow t h Since the pandemic and the lockdown in March, Ron saw a tremendous growth in both the number of podcasts produced, and listenership.

?Since the lockdown happened, I?ve never seen so many podcasts launched.?

Besides the growing number of podcasts, Ron says the number of podcast listeners grew from 3M to 31M, in a span of eight months. Globally, when Ron startedHustlesharesixteen months ago, only 15-20% of Filipino made podcasts made it to the Top 200 global charts. But after the pandemic, that number increased to 50-60%. ?The Philippines is now the sixth fastest podcast listening country in the world, number one in Asia,? Ron adds.

The unprecedented growth is the offshoot of people being locked down in homes, and the nature of the medium is something that can be done at home and online. Is it the effect of boredom? Perhaps. But Ron says anyone can make a podcast, but can you make a great one and can you monetize it? Can you find your tribe? Essentially, the benchmark is on how good a storyteller you are. ?By default, Filipinos arechikadoras, and we are great storytellers? Ron adds, believing it?s only a matter of time before podcasts are catapulted into the mainstream, and making podcast converts out of the majority of Filipinos. Which is why he is grooming Philippines to be the launching pad for an expansion throughout Southeast Asia. ?I see a wave where the whole industry will thrive. The same way YouTube was seven years ago, the same way Grab changed the dynamics of how to travel, Netflix changed the dynamics of how to watch movies. Podcast is for audio,? Ron says.

Even as the world is brimming with content, Podcast Network Asia will make sure the podcast industry here grows, becoming more than a trend, and sealing its rightful place in business, technology and entertainment. We all should listen out. Its golden age is coming, sooner than later.

Pr emier

book sel ect ion

A Hundred Silent Ways publication date: May 4, 2021 Excerpt from the book: ?How do you trust and let yourself be comforted by the idea that the sun and the moon give out equal brilliance??

On the brink of a crumbling marriage, Kate Pineda-McDowell runs away from the only life she has ever known? straight into the heart of the Philippines where her estranged father lives. As she waits for her connecting flight from Tokyo to Manila, she meets Liam Walker, whose disquieting stares express deeper things than his reluctant words. Unbeknownst to both, their chance meeting circles back to a closely linked past that holds little hope for new beginnings.

Shortly after arriving in Manila, Kate finds herself drawn to seek out Liam. In a span of a few magical days, what began as a spark ignites into an electric affair that compels Liam to let someone into his silent world while Kate confronts her heartbreaking sorrows. But falling for each other means opening old wounds and revealing their most intimate yearnings.

Emotionally gripping and endearingly hopeful,A Hundred Silent Ways examines the many different paths people take to obtain a second chance at happiness while asking the most heartrending question of all: How much are we willing to endure to keep love alive?

ABO UTTHEAUTHO R Mari Jojie was born and raised in Taguig, Philippines. It was home for half of her life. Married to a US Navy combat veteran, she is grateful to have experienced living in other parts of the world, including these two very contrasting cities? the historic and authentic Napoli, and the forward-thinking and innovative Dubai. Currently, she resides in Oxnard, California, with her husband, daughter, and son.

Tokyo was the first foreign city she ever visited. She was there for one week as an exchange student representing the Philippine Red Cross. Her fondest memory from that trip was a cup of creamy soup her host family served upon her arrival. For a teenage girl from a tropical country experiencing her first cold winter night, that warm, hearty soup tasted like heaven.

Many, many years later, in an attempt to finish the leftover baked ham from Thanksgiving, she put together some canned Campbell?s soup, heavy cream, corn, onion, and cubed ham in a crockpot. Three hours after, she had a flashback of that night as soon as she tasted her extempore dish. She unknowingly created the soup she thought was an impossible thing to ever taste again. She?s a believer of providential full circle.

A Hundred Silent Ways is her debut novel. And was for several years, just an imagined courage beyond her wishful thinking.

A look back at

The H istoric Visit At 9.47pm on Sunday February 3,2019 the Alitalia Shepherd One landed in Abu Dhabi under a rainy Emirati sky. This was the beginning of Pope Francis?s visit, and the first time a sitting pontiff has touched Arabian Peninsula soil.

Pope Francis with the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb outside the Sehikh Zayed Grand Mosque. AFP

About one million Catholics live in the UAE, and in a video message before his visit, the Pope heralded the emirates as a ?country which strives to be a model for co-existence and human fraternity and a meeting point of different civilisations and cultures?.

He was greeted at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, as well as Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar Al Sharif University and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders.

Pope Francis walks with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. AFP After the visit, Pope Francis wrote a message in the Presidential Palace?s guestbook: ?I invoke upon your highness and all the people of the United Arab Emirates, the divine blessings of peace and fraternal security.?

Credit : THE NATIONAL

h t t p:/ / w w w.gou r m et f ar m s.com .ph /

Pr emier

DESIGNER

J ared Servano ?My collection is about the use of banana hemp ? in the Philippines we call it ?abaca?. It?s one of the main sources of livelihood in the Southern part of the Philippines by the minorities and the B?laan Tribe there. It?s the most common and sustainable material we use in our daily life, and not just in clothing ? in everything. I want to introduce more people to using it.? ? Jared Servano A few years back, Jared Servano exhibited his unique creations at the International Fashion Showcase 2016 at Somerset House which was shown as part of London Fashion Week AW16. He was very well accepted in the international community. It was one of the highlights of his career not only as a designer but as a "fashion sculptor ".

His Project Runway First Runner Up title even made Filipinos truly proud of the Koronadaleno. More shows and projects followed with the help of the Department of Trade and Industry and the tourism sector. His dedication to the B'laan indigenous people has been his advocacy.

His quarantine days are mostly spent on creating ideas and one of his passions includes painting. At times he would be unreachable, communing the nature of South Cotabato. Currently, he has been working with people in his community to help ease the onset of Covid-19 and hopeful that one good day, the runway lights will return with renewed hope for the Philippine fashion industry.

"The fall of Summer"19x39 oil and latex on canvas by Ko.Llab Jared Servano

w in edr op.lif e

H omage To R ocky G athercole