Issue10 Holiday 2014

FILIPINOEXPAT #10 NOV/DEC 2014

THE HOLIDAYS WITH THE YOUNGHUSBANDS

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WINTER IN THE ARCTIC CIRCLE LUNETA HOTEL REOPENS PERFECT PINOY GIFT SUGGESTIONS CHRISTMAS IN EUROPE #10 2014

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FILIPINO EXPAT MAGAZINE

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FILIPINOEXPAT The Filipino Expat Magazine is redefining Filipino publications in Europe.

Combining quality journalism with visually engaging design, The Filipino Expat is the first lifestyle and living magazine that highlights the stories of Filipinos in Europe. Our feature stories are focused on uplifting the image of Filipinos abroad and presenting world-class expatriates who are making a difference in their adopted countries.

Veering away from politics, show business and sensational stories, The Filipino Expat provides discerning readers with a renewed sense of pride as a Filipino.

Never miss an issue again. Subscribe to The Filipino Expat by emailing your name and address to publisher@thefilipinoexpat.com and have the magazine delivered straight to your doorsteps. Our magazine is free and you only have to pay a minimal postage fee of â‚Ź12 for The Netherlands and â‚Ź20 for the rest of Europe. #10 2014

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CONTENTS

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FASHION 08 Filipino designers featured in this year’s Paris Fashion Week

ON THE COVER

SOCIETY 10 The Filipino community in Scandinavia dressed up for the Adicon Charity Ball EXPAT INTERVIEWS 11 Photographer Joseph Rosales on balancing life and work in London BEAUTY AND WELLNESS 12 How to take care of your skin in different weather conditions SHOPPING 14 Tips on perfect Filipino-made Christmas presents BUSINESS 16 Jubilee Transport Service keeps it professional and safe for tourists and VIP clients in the City of Lights TRADITIONS 22 How Filipinos celebrate Christmas in Europe COVER STORY 24 Football stars James and Phil Younghusband let us in on how they celebrate Christmas FEATURE 32 A Pinay-British contemplates on the meaning of “Home for Christmas” 34 An expat looks back on her first Christmas in the Netherlands

James and Phil Younghusband Photography by Pranz Kaeno Billones Styling by KC Leyco Mempin Grooming by Vida Non Jaucian

TRAVEL 36 A group of Filipinos experience winter in the Arctic Circle 40 How the traditional parol is made 44 Luneta Hotel reopens its doors after 20 years of abandonment

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REGULAR FEATURES Readers’ corner Editor’s letter Contributors Events

EXPAT ISSUES 46 Surviving the holidays in the Philippines

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RECIPES 48 How to whip up traditional Filipino Christmas fare with European influences

COLUMNS 20 One wealthy nation 21 Law corner with Atty. Cat 30 Bagoong in my paella

FILIPINO EXPAT MAGAZINE

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The Filipino Expat likes to hear from our readers.

Keep on sending your thoughts and comments to editor@thefilipinoexpat.com.

Travelling to the Philippines: A foreigner’s perspective While waiting for my appointment, dressed up in black trousers and barong (it was very formal), I was addressed in Tagalog several times. It’s not the first time, but this time I thought, “I blend in?”.

Coming to the Philippines regularly since 2001, I noticed that the optimistic attitude of the Pinoys is rubbing off on me. Before I would have thought: “Another Filipino that doesn’t speak English.”

Once while I was flying back to Europe, with my 1am flight delayed for two hours, I arrived at my seat discovering I am sitting next to a very big German guy.

In the past, I would have gotten angry. But that time, I sat down and said to the man, “Is it not amazing that in a plane full of Filipinos, they put us two big Europeans next to each other (I am a bit over 6.1 feet).” And smiled.

But the biggest compliment, at least that is how it felt, I got was when during a conversation when a Filipino asked me how often I come home each year.

And he meant Manila! Not my seat of residence, Rotterdam.

When talking about the Philippines with expat Filipinos here in Europe, several times it has been pointed out that I am European and will never understand Filipinos. It is true. The culture of the Philippines is an interesting mix of Asian, Latin and Western cultures. And indeed there are things considered Filipino I don’t want to rub off on me. But I noticed the positive attitude actually makes me feel better.

I will try to keep this Pinoy attitude, and smile at people whenever they look at me. Try to stay relaxed when things are slow and don’t work. And I hope the Filipino expats in Europe will also find positive things from Europe rubbing off on them and take that back to their islands of birth.

I think travel is a very nice way to develop oneself positively, and in extension the people around you.

- Atle Schotel, Rotterdam, the Netherlands

Since I started reading The Filipino Expat, I realized I want to share more about the Philippines to my friends in the UK. The positive stories, the amazing photos, especially on the country’s tourist attractions; and the great layout are all truly inspiring. I hope more Europeans come and visit the Philippines, realize what great people we are.

- Rafael Cruz, London, UK

* As of July 2014 Be one of our partner distributors. Email publisher@thefilipinoexpat.com

Follow us on Twitter : @filipinoexpat TheFilipinoExpatMagazine #10 2014

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EDITOR'S LETTER

'Tis the season to be jolly It’s that time of the year again.

Whether we are spending Christmas in the Philippines or in Europe doesn’t really matter. What’s more important is we celebrate it with our loved ones. After all, this is the season of joy, gift-giving and feasting. There’s no excuse why our home, wherever it is in the world, should not be filled with love, compassion, and laughter.

And the Filipino Expat magazine wants to be part of that.

Let’s show the world we really mean it when we say Filipino Christmas is a huge, important affair. We like to celebrate it big. It’s about family, food, friends, and gifts galore! And we dare not miss the Christmas tree, the colorful dancing Christmas lights and lanterns, Santa Claus bearing gifts, Christmas carols, etc.

We are excited to give you our second Christmas issue filled with lots of holiday stories and surprises, including gift ideas, to inspire you.

Our cover story, for instance, features the popular Azkals team players and brothers: Phil and James Younghusband. Glaiza Lee sat down with them back home in the Philippines to talk about how they are spending the holidays, their wish-list, and favourite Christmas fare.

Filipino expats share how they celebrate Christmas in different parts of Europe.

Publisher Dheza Marie Aguilar recalls her first Christmas Eve in the Netherlands. Melissa Legarda-Alcantara compares Christmas in London with the Philippines.

Carlo Mallo lists down a few gift ideas perfect for our European friends, in particular. Maan D’Asis Pamaran gives some tips on surviving the holiday season in the Philippines.

Husband and wife team Dolly Dy and Rafael Zulueta interviews famous chef Gene Gonzalez for his mouth-watering Noche Buena recipes that combine Filipino and European influences.

We also have a story on the parol-making industry in Pampanga.

Do not miss our travel stories that include swimming in the extremely cold Arctic seas and reliving the glorious past of Luneta Hotel in Manila.

Merry Christmas!

Diana A. Uy Editor-in-chief

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FILIPINO EXPAT MAGAZINE

CONTRIBUTORS

FILIPINO

EXPAT Publisher and Managing Editor Dheza Marie Aguilar

Editor-in-chief Diana Uy Creative Director Robin Kuijs Contributing Writers: Carlo Mallo, Dolly Dy Zulueta, Jedd Tan, Ma. Glaiza Lee, Maan D’Asis Pamaran, Melissa Legarda Alcantara, Sheila Riikonen,

Carlo P. Mallo is a freelance writer that wants to shrug off the harshness of reality with a glass or two of Moscato while yearning for a simple life in the farm in Davao, Philippines. He is currently based in Manila as it is more convenient for his random trips around.

Contributing Photographers: Joel Forte, Pranz Kaeno Billones, Rafael Zulueta

Joel C. Forte is a self-taught travel and nature photographer since 2009.

He won several local and international awards and a two-time Ani ng Dangal awardee in 2013 and 2014.

The Filipino Expat Magazine Published 6 times a year

By The Filipino Expat The opinions expressed in The Filipino Expat magazine do not represent the views of The Filipino Expat company. While we have exhausted every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, neither The Filipino Expat nor its editors, contributors and staff will accept any responsibility for any omission, typographical or printing errors, inaccuracies or changes however caused. Our editorial and creative teams reserve the right to edit any material submitted at our discretion. All texts, photos and graphics have been used with the permission of the author or artists. All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be duplicated or reproduced in a whole in any form or by any means without the publisher’s prior written permission.

Comments and complaints should be addressed to:

Jedd Tan is an actress, model, teacher, coach, researcher and assistant to an editor of finance and marketing publications. A graduate of Polytechnic University of the Philippines, she was an independent CPA-auditor when she was lured into modelling. After 27 years in the modeling business, she’s still at it. Recently she was chosen as finalist to the Vog Hair competition. She was the double of Shu Qi in the movie, Transporter 1. She lives in Paris.

The Publisher The Filipino Expat Magazine Lorentzlaan 74 3112KP Schiedam The Netherlands

Sheila Riikonen is a member of the International Press Center, Finland and correspondent for ABS-CBN Europe.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of the Philippines-Diliman and a master’s degree in social science from the University of Helsinki, Finland. She is a volunteer for causes involving children, education and the environment.

Telephone +31 (0) 624407692 Email publisher@thefilipinoexpat.com advertising@thefilipinoexpat.com Website www.thefilipinoexpat.com

As chief photographer of Flavors Magazine for 14 years, Rafael R. Zulueta has mastered the art of food photography. He also does a lot of travel photography but his training in lifestyle publications also includes fashion, beauty, news, personalities, product shots, event coverage and creative photography. He takes photographs for www.flavorsoflife.com.ph, and now contributes regularly to Asian Dragon Magazine and TV5’s www.interaksyon. com, among others.

Melissa Legarda Alcantara recently got her diploma for English and comparative literature with honours at the Goldsmiths University of London.

Straight out of school, she co-founded bake*, a marketing and PR consultancy firm with her friends. She also juggles work as production assistant at Total Jobs and digital administrator for Alcantara Consultancy Services.

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FASHION

FILIPINO DESIGNERS TAKE CENTER STAGE IN PARIS

by Jedd Tan

> Philippine-made luxury bags Marjorie Renner showcased her collection recently at Suite 2035, at The Westin Paris. The former model turned designer used raw materials from the Philippines like shells, leaves, exotic animal skins to create her luxury bags and other accessories. During the 4-day exhibit, she received orders from Qatar, Denmark, and the UK. Visit www.marjorierenner.com.

Photo by Laurent Pnce.

> Fashion for a cause The Fashion Extreme Paris staged a fashion show for a cause featuring designers, models and make-up artists from different parts of the world like France, Canada, Czech Republic, Austria and the Netherlands.

Classic to futuristic designs were shown on the catwalk. Show organizers and partners Ryan and Suzette Riego hoped to showcase Filipino talent to the international stage.

Proceeds of the show went to Coeurs à Coeurs foundation which helps the less privileged in the Philippines.

Photo by Richard Vinchon

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> Stylish partnership Zacarias luxury bags creative director Rita Nazareno teamed up with the multi-talented hat designer Mich Dulce for a recent collection resulting to a “must-have” handwoven bag and hat.

The collection was shown recently at Maison & Objet at Villepinte Parc des Exposition and in a private showroom at 30 Rue de Roch, both in Paris. For more details, visit www.zacarias1925.com or www.michdulce.com.

> Hollywood favourite The World Fashion Week 20152016 in Paris featured Filipina designer Pia Gladys Perey. The show presented 56 nominated designers from different parts of the world.

Influenced by her grandmother, who is a pattern-maker, Perey started her own label after giving birth to her second baby. The designer has a degree in philosophy from De la Salle University. But she really wanted to be in the fashion business. She worked as an apprentice, assistant, and stylist for different fashion houses and designers in the Philippines. She was discovered when her debut line, White Kitten, was shown at Rosemont Australian Fashion Week in 2007. Inspired by the softness of a woman’s body and Greek mythology, the designer considers draping her signature look. Today, the PGP label is known in Asia, including the Middle East; Europe and the US. Hollywood stars like Angelina Jolie, Eva Longoria, and Kim Kardashian have been seen wearing a PGP dress. For inquiries, visit www.piagladysperey.net.

EVENTS NOV/DEC 2014

The Autumn Project Concert Ateneu Barcelonés Barcelona, Spain Nov 22 Grupo Concierto Filipino together with The Filipino Expat Magazine presents an evening filled with wonderful music.

Vienna-based pianist Ferdie Bambico together with J. Marina Gomez once again join Barcelona’s Filipino songbirds

Janette Rotor, AC S. Molera, Nuria Lluna Giralt Escudero and The Kudyapi Children’s Choir (formerly known as the Centro Filipino Coro Infantil) for yet another unforgettable concert.

Venue is at Sala Oriol Bohigas, Ateneu Barcelonés Calle de la Canuda 6, Barcelona. For tickets, contact 603288067.

Ditta Sandico exhibit Tassen Museum Amsterdam, the Netherlands Until Jan 25, 2015 Filipina fashion designer Ditta Sandico will be exhibiting her collection of indigenous hand bags at the Tassen Museum in Amsterdam. For many years, Ms. Sandico has worked as an ethical fashion designer in the field of arts and fashion. She makes use of local fibers, such as the abaca, as a means to interpret her craft.

The Tassen Museum is located at Herengracht 573, 1017 CD Amsterdam and is open daily from 10am to 5pm.

For more information, visit: www.tassenmuseum.nl.

An Evening in Manila 2014 Cristofori Concert Hall Amsterdam, the Netherlands Dec. 20

The Kudyapi Children's Choir (Formerly known as the Centro Filipino Coro Infantil)

Sala Oriol Bohigas, Ateneu Barcelonés Calle de la Canuda 6, Barcelona Saturday, November 22, 2014 at 7:30 pm

Allegory of a Philippine Gaze Maria Mari Murga Art Exhibit Philippine Embassy London, United Kingdom Until Nov 21 The Philippine Embassy in London will present an art exhibition by FilipinoSpanish artist Maria Mari Murga. Titled Allegory of a Philippine Gaze, the art exhibition celebrates a fascinating insight on the Philippine culture across

Brillante Mendoza Film Fest SM Malls, Philippines Nov 2014 Catch acclaimed director Brillante Mendoza’s award-winning films like

Noel Bazaar World Trade Center Pasay City, Philippines Until Nov 30, 11 am to 9 pm Now, on its 15th year, Noel Bazaar features a large pool of concessionaires varying from fashion and beauty items, home decors, food, novelties, Christmas trimmings and other affordable gift items for the upcoming holiday season.

The activity benefits the projects of the GMA Kapuso, Bantayog ng mga Bayani, Gifts and Graces Foundations as well as the Sts. Peter and John Parish and

Janette Rotor AC S. Molera Nuria Lluna Giralt Escudero J.Marina Gómez and Ferdi Bambico

Groove the night away with an array of free Pinoy-inspired bites. A bar crafted by Manila Cocktails will serve up delicious drinks that will bring guests to the dance floor with guest DJs. For more information, email ces@myego.nl or call 31681463288

utopian fantasies of idyllic exoticism.

Its concept is an allusion to Dr. José P. Rizal’s last manuscript “The Lord Gazes at the Philippine Islands.”

Maria’s artwork aims to raise funds to help the Holy Rosary Family Center renovate schools, educate indigent children and treat people stricken with leprosy in six barangays in Zamboanga City, Philippines.

Thy Womb, starring Philippine cinema’s Superstar Nora Aunor, and Foster Child in the following SM malls: SM City Bacolod, Nov. 21 to 22; SM City Tarlac, Nov. 24 to 25; and SM City Cagayan de Oro, Nov. 27 to 28.

the Noel P. Gozon Memorial Clinic.

Event highlights include Tom and Carla’s Celebrity Ukay-ukay, cooking demos, hair and make-up demos, celebrity auctions, build a Christmas tree challenge and fashion shows by homegrown designers, among others. Entrance is free Mondays to Wednesdays.

For updates, follow Noel Bazaar on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Or email noelbazaars@gmail.com.

World Bazaar Festival World Trade Center Pasay City, Philippines Dec 5 - 21 In partnership with ABS-CBN, the World Bazaar Festival gives back to the victims of natural disasters in the Philippines the past two years, including those hit by Yolanda and the earthquake in Bohol. The bazaar, which is turning 14 this year, will be granting 14 wishes to 14 different families. Every time you shop, a portion of your money goes to the calamity victims and their families as well.

The bazaar will be showcasing a smorgasbord of products, from novelty items to bags, clothes, shoes and food.

There will be live-performances, surprise guests from ABS-CBN’s pool of talents, and a variety of contests. Cool prizes await winners.

Follow WorldBex Services International on Twitter, Instagram and like their page on Facebook for more updates.

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SOCIETY

A 'MASKED' AFFAIR Photos by Joel Bagon and Reggie Maglalang.

Left to right: Melona Dorby wins Best in Gown; Filipino Expat Magazine publisher Dheza Marie Aguilar is flanked by Adicon Charity founder Evangeline Jorquia Rebot and her son RJ.

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he Filipino Expat Magazine attended what is perhaps the most glamorous Filipino event in Scandinavia, the Adicon Masquerade Gala 2014.

Held at the Sheraton Hotel in Stockholm, Sweden, the Adicon Masquerade Gala 2014 drew more than 200 guests from different parts of Europe, all elegantly dressed in their best masquerade ensemble.

Now on its third year, the Adicon Masquerade Gala was organized by Adicon Charity, a non-profit organization founded to help in the hospitalization or medical supplies of poor Filipino children. The foundation is a fulfillment of a promise that founder Vangie RebotJorquia made when her youngest son, JR, suffered and survived a near-death brain seizure.

The venue was filled with fun and laughter as the Adicon Charity organizing team filled the evening with songs, dances and entertainment. At the end of the night, the best costumes were chosen. The winners included: Lorna Patricio, Best in Costume; Melona Dorby, Best in Gown; and Angelyn Sosobrado Korposoff and Vaseloius Pilitsoupolos, Best Duo Costume.

Left photo: Memma Jensen, Ruby Anna Tupas Bengsson, Rina Melchor, Diosa Nilsson and Roots and Wings publisher Rachel Hansen; Right photo: Stockholm-based fashion designer Joel Bagon with Jocelyn Hedstrรถm and Rita Liljegren.

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EXPAT INTERVIEW

COMBINING CAREER AND PASSION

Joseph Rosales Photographer London, United Kingdom

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oseph Rosales worked as a personal butler to the brother of the Queen in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He moved to the United Kingdom in 2006.

From juggling jobs like being a house cleaner and waiter/bartender, he now works as full-time senior caregiver and freelance photographer.

Why did you move to the United Kingdom?

I chose UK because we used to travel to London and I’ve always loved the place.

I thought it would be a better place to settle in. In London, if you work hard you never get hungry. Even if you are just a cleaner or domestic helper, you can still buy whatever you want to eat, have the latest gadget and still manage to send allowance to your family back home.

What are the challenges in moving to and living in London? How did you overcome them?

First, you’re far away from your family.

Second, the visa processing can be difficult. It is very expensive. I also had limited work choices because of my restricted visa. I had to wait five years before I can manage to get a permanent visa so that I can work anywhere.

Since everything is expensive, from house rent to your daily expenses, I developed my talent in photography, which I inherited from my grandfather and mother. I managed to hold on and continue to survive even though it’s difficult.

What do you like about living in London? The things that you are still not used to?

In the UK, the health benefits are outstanding because you can go to a hospital without spending thousands of money and you can consult with your doctor and pay only the prescribed medication.

Also, the countryside has really nice roads, thanks to our high taxes.

What did you realize about yourself and about Filipinos when you moved to London?

I believe that so many Filipinos have done everything just to get here and work. Some of them even came here as students just to get a job here. But the reality is that it’s totally different than what people think. Living in the UK is not easy, everything is expensive. Luckily my family understands my situation.

Every day is a gift from God and I’m

very thankful that I wake up every day healthy. I realized that even though I’m not living luxuriously (yet), I have many personal achievements for a Filipino expat who came here on his own.

How do you balance photography and your full-time job?

It is very difficult. But I am giving 100 percent to both. I believe that I am doing a great job as a caregiver. As a photographer, I love shooting fashion shows and recently been published in several magazines in the UK. I often sleep in front of the computer holding the mouse because after work I still have to edit pictures which is really time consuming. I usually only get three hours of sleep.

And I also I don’t take vacations because I devote all my free time to photography.

What tips can you give to our kababayans about living and working in London?

Work hard and be patient. It is going to be a long, bumpy road before success comes your way but be passionate in everything you do.

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BEAUTY

SKIN CARE IN ANY CLIMATE

by Maan D’Asis Pamaran

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oreigners are always raving about morena skin and how beautiful and beach-ready Filipinas are. Dr. Jean Marquez, founder and medical director of The Skin Specialist, has an explanation for this. “Filipinas have skin type 4 which is minimally sensitive to the sun. This type rarely burns and always tans, unlike types 1-3 in Caucasians which easily burns under the sun and 5 and 6 seen in darkskinned individuals which never burns.

We have more melanin to protect us from the sun in a tropical country, our skin was made to adapt in this kind of hot, humid weather.”

This holiday season, let’s keep our skin healthy whether we are travelling back to tropical Philippines or staying in cold countries in Europe. Marquez shares some tips.

HOT AND COLD Marquez cautions that the effect of lower temperatures and dry weather is dry, itchy skin. “In severe cases, it can crack, cause flares of eczema or other skin conditions such as psoriasis,” she says.

In colder climates, she advises using moisturizing skin products like soaps and lotions, creams, and oils that can help protect them from dryness, cracks and flares of eczemas.

“Look for products with aloe vera, colloidal oatmeal, glycerin, urea, shea butter, vitamin E, and different oils.

For the face, they can use lighter moisturizers like those with silicone.”

The heat and humidity in the Philippines meanwhile can lead to fungal and bacterial infections and acne flares. Skin should be thoroughly cleansed to remove dirt and oils.

“Look for products with antibacterial properties such as tea tree, sulfur or salicylic or acne washes if your skin is oily and acne prone.”

Those with sensitive skin should use mild cleansers like colloidal oatmeal washes.

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“WE HAVE MORE MELANIN TO PROTECT US FROM THE SUN IN A TROPICAL COUNTRY, OUR SKIN WAS MADE TO ADAPT IN THIS KIND OF HOT, HUMID WEATHER.” WHATEVER THE WEATHER If there is one thing that women, no matter their location should do, it’s to slather on the sunscreen, Marquez says. “Ultraviolet rays still penetrate the clouds, that’s why putting on a sunscreen is a must even on rainy days, during snow or whether the climate is hot or cold.”

She also says that there are some basic skin care rules to follow whatever the weather: Always use sunscreen SPF 30 up.

Reapply every two hours if you’re continuously exposed to the sun.

Avoid sun exposure between 8-10 am.

Have yourself examined by a dermatologist if you see any signs of rash, itchiness, skin swelling, skin discoloration or any changes in a mole.

Get to know your skin type by asking your dermatologist if you have dry, oily, combination skin and if it’s sensitive before trying out any product and ask which products would be best for you.

When it comes to feeding your skin, she says there is no single nutrient that will do the job but studies have shown that eating green leafy veggies, colorful fruits, white meat like chicken and fish (especially salmon and tuna) and drinking lots of water can lower the sugar levels in the body.

High sugar levels cause microscopic inflammations in the skin, leading to skin aging, acne, and worsening of eczemas. “That’s why one should avoid refined sugar, sources of bad carbohydrates and junk food.”

CLIMATE CHANGE Dermatologist Dr. Jean Marquez gives pointers for those living in sunny or snowy climes:

Skin care tips during cold weather are directed to prevent dryness and preserve and restore moisture. > Use warm water instead of hot showers > Do not rub skin when drying just dab > Immediately put moisturizers while skin is still wet after shower to lock in water inside the skin > Avoid using body scrubs or limit to once every 2 weeks and immediately put moisturizers > Use only moisturizing soaps

Skin care tips for hot humid weather are directed to prevent infections, and to remove oil and dirt. > Make sure to wash face and shower every day or twice a day if needed > Use mild facial and body wash like oatmeal cleansers if your skin is too oily you can use facial scrubs once or twice a week

Send your love from Europe to the Philippines through Pinoy Balikbayan Box

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Nationwide delivery Metro Manila €57,50 Luzon A- €65,00 Luzon B- €67,50 Luzon C- €72,50 Visayas/Mindano €80,00 Empty box €5,00

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Email info@pinoy-box.com Website www.pinoy-box.com pinoy.balikbayanbox

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SHOPPING

TAKING THE PHILIPPINES HOME

by Carlo P. Mallo

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rom white sand beaches to the picturesque mountains, gastronomic delights to friendly faces, there are many wonderful things about the Philippines. But in travelling, one would always want to bring more than memories of the experience.

Sharing photos doesn’t just cut it anymore and while a postcard delivered a couple of weeks or months after may be nice (complete with stamps and fingerprints), the experience isn’t really shared. And please, spare me the T-shirts with all the hideous prints that copied the “I (heart) NYC” campaign and the fridge magnets that are no different than what can be seen on Google.

The wine from a trip in Napa Valley, designer bags from Paris, a fresh tub of wasabi from Tokyo, Murano chandeliers and Lladro figurines from Italy, modern and sleek furniture from Scandinavia, or maybe intricate art pieces from Tunisia and South Africa. Oh, how can one forget that bejeweled pieces from India and China?

In the case of the Philippines, how does one translate the warm sunshine, the friendly smiles,

LOUDBASSTARD Filipino ingenuity shines bright with Loudbasstard, an iPhone amplifier that requires no energy and is made out of bamboo. It shows the Filipinos love for music and just what they would do to share the music with everyone. And yes, even the name is proudly Filipino – that’s how we play with words.

It is available everywhere in Cebu and one can be found at the departure area of Mactan International

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the smell of grilled seafood wafting in the air, and the eclectic mix of Spanish, Chinese, American, and Filipino cultures into a trinket or product that one can bring back home? While it may seem tempting to pluck out an island from one of the 7,107 islands to choose from and bring it back home, complete with its highly bio-diverse seas, talc-like sand, and fresh coconut juice, it’s just impossible.

So, how does one bring home the memories of the Philippines? Of course the man in the barrel with his popping phallic is totally out of the question, while dried mangoes and other dehydrated fruits are readily available in the neighborhood grocery.

And please, forget about trying to bring wild flora and fauna out of the country.

Thinking about it, there really isn’t anything worth saving a space for in the luggage to bring back home from the Philippines. Not until recently.

A trip to the Philippines is now more fun with these finds that are not only world-class, but truly unravels the experience one gets in the Philippines.

And, these gifts from the tropics can easily fit in your luggage all the way to the cold climes of Europe.

Airport. Kultura Filipino, located in all SM malls nationwide, carries the brand as well. It comes in a variety of colors that will suit every personality.

Bringing the Philippines to your home is now easier and, well, more fun. Not only that, these products are extensions of the experiences in the Philippines that you can share abroad.

Loudbasstard is sold at P1,190 a piece. For more details, visit www.loudbasstard.com.

BUSLO BY RIIR Started in 2007 in a community near a garbage dump, Rags II Riches is literally what its name says – transforming rags into riches. Women in poor communities take up scrap cloths, which would have been turned into rags, and turn these into wonderfully woven bags and purses. Some even become accessories. Teaming up with the top fashion designers in the Philippines, the products of the women have become one of the most sought after and are gaining popularity abroad. Yes, the products are not just sob stories but also pieces of art that you can use daily.

The Buslo bag by RIIR is an eco-friendly bag that can be used in multiple ways. There are several RIIR stores throughout Metro Manila where the bag and other products can be purchased.

For inquiries, visit www.rags2riches.ph.

MANILA CHOCOLATIER Who can say no to chocolates? Unless it gives you a strong bout of migraine, chocolates are just hard to resist. And with Manila Chocolatier, it brings the Philippines in every bite. With every chocolate filled with a different flavor about the Philippines, and history tidbits, too! It’s a truly Filipino experience wrapped in exquisite Belgian chocolates.

Manila Chocolatier is available at all Duty Free Philippines’ outlets and in Kultura Filipino of SM Malls.

Each box of Manila Chocolatier comes with a booklet that explains the various flavors in every chocolate and its link to Filipino culture.

A box of eight is sold at P740. For inquiries, email olmecocoa@gmail.com.

MALAGOS CHOCOLATES Established in the southern part of the country, Malagos Chocolates are the raw chocolates that have been grown on Philippine soil. It is Philippine chocolate in its most authentic and rawest form.

This is the perfect gift to share on winter and in the cold months as it truly encapsulates the warmth of the Filipino welcome that you have just experienced – warm, earthy, authentic, but a very pleasant experience.

Malagos chocolates have a long shelf life and can be stored for up to a year. It is sold in old school copper tins and in foil packs. It is primarily found in Davao City but is readily available in major supermarkets around the Philippines.

Malagos chocolates are sold from P150 to P450 per pack. For more information, visit www.malagoschololate.com.

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BUSINESS

AT YOUR SERVICE, IN PARIS Words and photos by Dheza Marie Aguilar

H

is name is already familiar with Filipino celebrities, executives and politicians who visit Paris. Some of them have even invited him to their homes during his previous visits in the Philippines.

Noel Villanueva, owner of Jubilee Transport Services, is the first Filipino who received a transport service license in Paris, a document that means more to him

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that just a piece of paper. It is a token of his struggles and triumphs as an expat in France.

PURSUING A GOAL When Villanueva lost his job in 2006 as a private chauffeur for a prominent family in Paris, he decided to start something for himself –-something that he enjoys doing and wherein he wouldn’t be counting hours till

the end of a work day. He toyed with the idea of a transport service, ferrying tourists during their sight seeing trips in Paris or bringing travellers to and from the airport. But unlike other private car services in the city, he wanted a business that’s recognized and licensed by the French government.

After some considerable research, and countless visits to Paris’ different government agencies, he learned that he needed to study again to be able to start his business.

The tuition fee cost €3000, an amount he couldn’t afford as an unemployed expat at the time. Luckily, Villanueva was entitled to social security benefits from the French government. But just when he thought he was on his way to achieving his dream, the Pôle Emploi, the government agency that processes unemployment benefits, refused to pay for his school fees.

“They told me it was too expensive but I told them that I needed to have that diploma. That it was what I wanted to do. So everyday I would go back to their office and persuade them to give me that grant,” narrates Villanueva.

A year later, the agency finally cave.

The course was in French, a language with which Villanueva was not very fluent. It was worse with written French. But he was determined to study and finish the course. For three months, he diligently attended school. From eight in the morning to five in the afternoon, he would sit in front of the class to better hear his instructors, asking them to repeat parts of the lessons that he couldn’t understand.

Out of the 12 students in the class, only five passed the Attestation Capacite Proffesional de Transport. Villanueva was one of them.

The license that he got from the Minestere Chargé

“YOU CAN’T GIVE UP JUST LIKE THAT ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE INVESTED A LOT IN YOUR BUSINESS. FOR INSTANCE, IF YOU NEED TO TAKE 10 STEPS AND YOU’VE ALREADY DONE FIVE, WHY WOULD YOU TURN BACK WHEN YOU’RE ALREADY HALFWAY THROUGH. YOU HAVE TO FINISH IT.” des Transport allows Villanueva to operate even a fleet of 100 buses if he wanted to.

CHALLENGES Getting the license was not a walk in the park.

However, the real work began when he was setting up the business itself, says Villanueva.

“You’d think after you’ve passed the exam, it’s already ok. But there’s the bank loans and then getting your clients. Our former bank rejected us so I told them that since you didn’t want to give me a loan, I’m transferring my money to the bank across the

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JUBILEE CARS PARIS Noel Villanueva Mobile: + 33662471863 E-Mail: jubilee.cars@yahoo.fr Paris, France Noel Villanueva says that in order for Filipino expats to truly benefit from the transport service business, they should strive towards having a legitimate one. Having a license is worth the money, time and effort especially when you see money pouring in.

CAPITAL €5000 cash out €50,000 bank loan MAIN EXPENSES > License fee > Monthly amortization > Insurance > Vehicle maintenance > Gas ESTIMATED MONTHLY INCOME Enough to pay expenses and driver’s salary EXPECTED ROI 4-5 years ADVICE Have a business plan. You cannot start a business without knowing what you are getting into. Know everything that you can about the business you want to put up especially the costs. street. So I did,” he recalls with a smile.

Villanueva was able to get a bank loan to pay for his van. He worked long hours to grow Jubilee Cars Paris.

Six years into the business, he is now a proud owner of two vans.

“It does not necessarily mean that once you open a business, money will start pouring in. I’ve experienced everything, from not having clients to not knowing anyone at all. At least now, I can advise those who are thinking of getting into the same business on how to go about it,” he says.

Villanueva remembers the time when he was starting out and money was not coming in. He and his wife would have discussions because they couldn’t pay the rent.

“But you can’t give up just like that especially if you have invested a lot in your business. For instance, if you need to take 10 steps and you’ve already done five, why would you turn back when you’re already halfway through. You have to finish it.”

KEEPING IT PROFESSIONAL No matter who his client is, Villanueva always keeps it professional. He always goes to work wearing a suit and tie. “One of my clients even told me to take off my tie because I looked like a lawyer. But for me, you always have to be presentable no matter who is riding your van.”

Apart from always arriving on time, he has never went beyond the number of passengers allowed by law for his type of vehicle. This he strictly followed even if it meant losing some clients.

Like a true Filipino, Villanueva goes the extra mile to please his clients. He would always open the door

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for his clients and help them with their luggage. When a client is enjoying their sight-seeing tour far too much, he wouldn’t charge them over time fee unless it becomes too long. Not surprisingly, he is a favourite among Filipino celebrities and VIPs visiting Paris.

Villanueva says, following rules and regulations is for the safety of his passengers. More important, in case of accidents or lost or damaged baggage, they have the right to insurance claims.

Legal transport companies are required by the French government to have special insurance not only for their vehicles but also for their passengers and their belongings. He always advises his clients to hire licensed drivers and companies.

WORKING TOGETHER Villanueva believes that Filipinos should help each other out. When he finds himself overwhelmed with clients, he refers another Filipino operator for the job.

He hopes that fellow Filipino operators will someday see the wisdom of putting up an organization and working together. He laments that some unscrupulous car rental companies do not play fair, lowering their rates just to get their share of clients. French drivers, he says, are taking to the streets to protest against this unfair scheme.

“The problem with many Filipinos here is crab mentality. They would rather drag you down than support you. If they are earning, they want to keep it all to themselves rather than share so that others may earn as well. I find that very sad.”

Be that as it may, Villanueva continues to work towards the expansion of his business, planning to buy more vehicles in the future.

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ONE WEALTHY NATION

by Francisco J. Colayco

SMART GIFT-GIVING A

s usual in the Philippines, Christmas carols play as early as September. No matter what the economic condition of each Filipino, Christmas will be celebrated.

There will always be Christmas if we remember what Christmas really is.

The birthday of Jesus Christ who was born in a manger.

All the consumerism of Christmas is man-made. It is time to enjoy the happiness of being with friends and families in an atmosphere of love and sharing. However, there will always be the desire to express happiness through gifts. As usual, each year, I remind everyone as early as September to start planning their gifts early and establishing their budgets.

Here are some activities I would enjoin you to take using only part of your active income and none of your passive income. To review, active income is income that you receive only if you work. For those employed, your Christmas Bonus is part of your active income. You will not receive a bonus, if you are not working. If you are self-employed, you should pay yourself a Christmas Bonus as you would any of your employees. Don’t spend all your active income but set aside a part of it for your savings.

Your passive income is the income from the growth of your savings that have been wisely invested. As a general rule, only passive income should be spent for your Wants that you truly feel are important.

1. Clean up your closets and have a “small garage sale” by bringing items that you have not used in the past six months to the office. Ask your officemates if they want any of it and whatever is not taken can again be sold in other garage sales or donated to your favorite charity or calamity victim. As they say, “One man’s garbage is another man’s gold.”

2. Christmas reunions and parties,

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even if simpler, abound during the season. There is little time to enjoy them if you have to spend the time shopping. You may choose to just give your full presence to these reunions and parties. Think of ways you can entertain your friends and relatives. Maybe you have a special musical or a story-telling talent.

Practice it and share the fun and the laughter that you might elicit because of your act.

3. Kris-Kringle is a practice in many offices. This is the exchange of small gifts on a daily basis leading to the big exchange gifts on the last working day before Christmas. Again, this creates stress since the items required for each day are usually not readily available and again requires some last minute shopping. Perhaps, you can create a different type of Kris-Kringle where no store-bought gifts are exchanged. Little acts of kindness or service can be given throughout the next year in the form of certificates.

For example, a certificate might say: “I promise to give ______ a free homecooked lunch-baon at the time he/ she requests for it during the month of January 2015 provided I have ___days notice.” Or another certificate might say “________ is entitled to a free shoulder massage during break-time during the month of February 2015.”

Or another one to say “I cannot be upset with _________ for one whole day during the month of March, 2015.”

Etc. The person who received it can then claim the certificates at the appropriate time.

4. Let us share with all those who are less fortunate than us. You could get together with your officemates or even a small group in the office to visit an orphanage or a unit in an old folks’ home or even go to visit prisoners as an “outing” instead of a Christmas party of just eating. You can bring your shared food to eat

together with those you visit.

5. Instead of an exchange gift to be given to each other, agree to prepare a special package to share with a poor family. For example, each package could contain: ½ kilo rice, ½ kilo sugar, 2 cans sardines, 2 cans Vienna sausage, toothpaste, 2 toothbrushes, 2 bars of soap, 1 box of detergent, 2 small towels, 2 simple shirts. Agree on the sizes and quality of each item.

Ask each officemate to involve their children or their siblings in putting together the package to make it more meaningful. You could also bring this gift to the orphanage or prisoners or old folks’ home you decide to visit.

6. Filipinos love raffles. Have a Bingo session in the office in lieu of a party held in an outside restaurant.

The budget for the Christmas party can be converted into cash as prizes for the raffle. Children can be invited to this affair, if they wish.

7. Spend the last working day before Christmas or before the New Year having a simple merienda.

No fancy food but just having fun drinking, singing, dancing and story telling in the office.

Perhaps these activities, to be effective, are best held in small companies or among a smaller group of people in a big company. Or even just your regular group of friends in a reunion. Whatever you do, just be happy that you are blessed to have this time among friends to share love and friendship during the “most Beautiful time of the year.”

My personal family and my family at the Colayco Foundation for Education join me in wishing all of you a Blessed and Meaningful Christmas and a Happy, Peaceful and Prosperous 2015!

For more investment and financial tips, visit www.onewealthynation.com.

LAW CORNER WITH ATTY. CAT

by Chona Abiertas

INVEST AND ACQUIRE YOUR RESIDENCE PERMIT IN SPAIN S

etting up a business in Spain is simple. The type of business entities available are in keeping with those existing in other Convention on the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries.

There is also a wide range of possibilities capable of meeting the needs of the different types of investors who wish to invest in or from Spain. It is also worth knowing that foreign investment restrictions and exchange controls have been virtually eliminated in line with the EU legislation on deregulation in this area.

People may say that the economic crisis in Spain is far from over.

But we’re actually on our way to recuperating progressively. For investors this is the right time to invest. Why? The cost of investment is low and its potential for growth could go hand-in-hand with the rise of the country’s economy. To non-EU investors, this is the best place to kickstart your business in Europe.

There are several alternatives open to foreign investors interested in establishing a business in Spain.

They are the following: Creation of a Spanish company with its own legal personality.

Spanish law provides a variety of vehicles that can be used by foreign companies or individuals for investing in Spain. The most common forms used are the corporation (SA) and principally, the limited liability company (SL) Branch or permanent establishment. Neither alternative has its own legal personality, meaning that their activity and legal liability will at all times be directly related to the parent company of the foreign investor Joint ventures or association with other businesses already established in Spain. It allows the parties to share risks and combine

resources and expertise. A joint venture can be set up under Spanish Law in a number of ways: > An Economic Interest Grouping (EIG) and a European EIG (EEIG) > A Temporary Business Association (Union Temporal de Empresas or UTE). > Under a type of silent partnership arrangement peculiar to Spanish law (cuenta en participacion) with one or more Spanish entrepreneurs. > Joint venture through Spanish corporations or limited liability companies For those not setting up a business or entering into an association with existing business or establishing a physical center of operations in Spain, the options are listed below: > Signing a distribution agreement > Operating through an agent > Operating through commission agents > Franchising Each of these forms of doing business in Spain offers different advantages that must be balanced against the potential setbacks from a tax and legal standpoint.

One of the best ways to invest in Spain is the acquisition of real estate considering that the prices are half of the prices compared to 10 years ago.

Under Law 14/2013, non-resident foreigners intending to enter Spanish territory for a “significant investment” of capital may request a visa residence for investors. Provisions of the law are as follows: RESIDENCE VISA FOR INVESTORS Among the assumptions that are included as “significant investment” is the acquisition of real estate in Spain with an investment of not less than €500,000 per applicant value.

Requirements: In addition to the general requirements of entry and residence for foreigners who are

not going to develop remunerated activities, the investor must prove they have no criminal records, must have a health insurance or sufficient economic resources for themselves and for their family members during their period of residence in Spain owning such property.

Investing in property should be free of any liens or encumbrances.

Although, it allows the share of investment in excess of €500,000.

Investment through a partnership. It is understood that the alien has made the investment if done through a legal person who is not domiciled in a tax heaven, provided that they directly or indirectly hold the majority of voting rights and may appoint or remove a majority of the members of the governing body.

Deadline: The residence visa will allow investors (and their spouse and children under 18) to reside in Spain for a period of at least 1 year.

RESIDENCE PERMIT FOR INVESTORS Investors who wish to reside in Spain for more than the validity period of their visa may apply for the grant of a residence permit for investors.

Requirements: In addition to meeting the general requirements of Art. 62 of the Act, the investor is required to establish the following: > has a valid residence visa for investors (or 90 days have elapsed since its expiration), > continues to own property for the minimum amount required, > has traveled to Spain at least once during the period authorized to reside and > has fulfilled its obligations in tax and Social Security if corresponding field.

For more details, e-mail: advocats.catlaw@gmail.com or visit our Facebook fanpage: CAT LAW FIRM Abogados.

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TRADITIONS

YULETIDE CELEBRATIONS Filipino expats share how they are celebrating Christmas in Europe.

Anecito Ibay United Kingdom I celebrate Christmas here in the UK as if I’m home in the Philippines. I cook roast turkey alongside Filipino food favorites. The only difference is the weather, obviously. It’s cold in the UK and hot and humid in the Philippines. My early years abroad were full of struggles. But once you get used to the people, their cultures and traditions, and the weather, it all becomes easy from then on. Technology and social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and Skype help in getting in touch with my family especially during the holiday season.

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Thelma Alberts Germany In Germany, we have the Holy Eve Dinner. I mostly make Pinoy food like lumpia, pancit, etc. There will be biko, puto or suman as well. Without them, it would not be like Christmas at home. After dinner, we exchange gifts and go to the 10 or 11 o´clock Mass. The 25th and 26th are the 1st and 2nd Christmas. We either have visitors or we visit our relatives or friends. The menu depends on who will visit us –either European or Pinoy food. With snow, Christmas is more fun.

Christmas in Germany is very quiet compared to our home country.

Steph Hänggi Switzerland In Switzerland, we usually spend Christmas with the family. The traditional Swiss cheese fondue or fondue chinoise is served either for the Noche Buena or New Year’s Eve. We also give everyone presents. If there’s time, we go up to the Alps to ski or sledge. The holidays are never complete without snow!

Neil Dela Cruz Spain In Madrid, we always have Noche Buena. There will be lumpia, pancit, embutido, seafood like shrimps; and Spanish cheeses and wines. Desserts will include mazapan, turrones, polvorones, among others. We will attend Mass and see the “belen” or the nativity scene.

We would also visit flea markets.

Junart Kim Nieva United Kingdom In the UK, we usually have the Christmas Lunch, with turkey as king of the table. But even here, we’ve kept our Filipino tradition: attending the Midnight Mass on Christmas eve, with Noche Buena delights ever ready till the 25th. On the 26th, we have the so-called “boxing day,” where a lot of people go on a shopping spree, taking advantage of huge sales. This year, we might visit again the seasonal theme park in Hyde Park called Winter Wonderland, and try ice-skating in either Hampton Court Palace or Somerset House.

Your satisfaction is our passion Need to clean your mess

but don’t have time to do it?

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Thelma Nullar +32 486 70 66 15 thelmanullar@yahoo.com thelmanullar@filbelge.eu #10 2014

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COVER STORY

On James: Two-toned sweater from Zalora, pants from Uniqlo, shoes from Sebago On Phil: Two-toned blazer from Zalora; striped henley and camel chinos from Team Manila, shoes from Sebago Styling: KC Leyco Mempin Grooming: Vida Non Jaucian

THE HOLIDAYS WITH THE YOUNGHUSBANDS

by Ma. Glaiza Lee photos by Pranz Kaeno Billones

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B

ritish-Filipino football players and brothers James and Phil Younghusband grew up in England, training with the Chelsea Football Club since they were 10 years old. In 2005, a young gamer chanced upon their names on the video game Football Manager, eventually learning that Phil and James are half-Filipinos.

“The gamer contacted the Football Federation in the Philippines, then the Philippine Football Organization made some contact with Chelsea, and Chelsea told us about it. The academy director at Stamford Bridge asked us if we’d like to play for the Philippines. We said we want to,” recalls Phil, adding that they enjoyed the whole experience so much that they contemplated on moving to the Philippines.

According to James, football was not yet that popular in the Philippines when they arrived in 2005. The existing football system needed some work and improvement.

“We thought we wanted to be part of it. It has always been our plan to live in the Philippines. We just didn’t know when or how. And that gave us a little push. When both our contracts for Chelsea had expired, we decided to move here for good,” says James.

The popularity of the sport came alongside the popularity of the brothers, who eventually became celebrities in the Philippines not long after their arrival. Aside from playing for the Azkals, the national football team, they also dabbled in modelling and commercial endorsements.

The brothers are paying it forward, establishing The Younghusband Football Academy, wherein they hold free football camps for children at least two or three times a week. James handles the technical side while Phil executes the plans with the coaches.

“We want to spread love for football. We also want to change the misconception that football is an elitist sport. No, it is a sport for all.

Everyone, regardless of their gender, age, social and economic background, can play football, given that they really train,” says James.

The brothers like to be hands-on.

“We really interact with the kids. We want them to have fun, while at the same time, learning the basics. It has to be fun or the children would think football is just hard work and lose interest. But we also want them to have serious future in the sport,” says Phil.

TAKING TIME OFF FROM FOOTBALL The only time that the brothers take their mind off football is during Christmas. The holidays for them

mean no work and all play. For the record though, they see football not as work, but their life.

“Every year, we set to make the most out of our Christmas break.

We like to start fresh for the coming year. But it is the holiday season and I think we deserve to enjoy the Christmas spirit. Right now, that is all on our mind. We’re just thinking about spending it with our family and friends,” says James.

While the brothers acknowledge that Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Christ, both James and Phil see the occasion as a time for family, a merry tradition of love and togetherness.

“Although we lost our dad to lung cancer in 2004, and our mom to massive heart attack in 2011, we still follow the most important lesson we have learned from them: family comes first. And Christmas is just the perfect time to spend time and bond with

James and Keri, our sister,” says Phil.

James adds: “When he was still alive, Dad would always get angry at us if we did not spend much time with the family. Yes, Dad and Mom were from different cultures, but they shared that one principle. It was, and will always be, about family. They really made sure we would always stick together, be there for each other.”

On Christmas Day, it is all about food, fun and games in the Younghusbands’ home. “We play a lot. We like to have games of Jinga and Pictionary, among others. I’m very competitive, so is James. We play computer games against each other.

Sometimes, someone gets pikon especially if that someone is losing.

Someone’s going to throw a console,” Phil shares.

James clarifies that it is a healthy competition, especially now that they’re older. “When we were younger,

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On Phil: Eagle light pink button down shirt from Fledge Clothing, camel pants from Team Manila, shoes from Sebago From previous page: On Phil: Navy sweater, H.E. by Mango available at Zalora; paisley half waistband and pocket twill shorts, Ezra by Zalora; shoes from Sebago On James: Warbler pop orange shirt from Fledge Clothing, grey shirt from Thread 365 available at Common Thread, pants from Team Manila, shoes from Sebago

“ALTHOUGH WE LOST OUR DAD TO LUNG CANCER IN 2004, AND OUR MOM TO MASSIVE HEART ATTACK IN 2011, WE STILL FOLLOW THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON WE HAVE LEARNED FROM THEM: FAMILY COMES FIRST. AND CHRISTMAS IS JUST THE PERFECT TIME TO SPEND TIME AND BOND WITH JAMES AND OUR SISTER KERI.” 26

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“EVERY YEAR, WE SET TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF OUR CHRISTMAS BREAK. WE LIKE TO START FRESH FOR THE COMING YEAR. BUT IT IS THE HOLIDAY SEASON AND I THINK WE DESERVE TO ENJOY THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT. RIGHT NOW, THAT IS ALL ON OUR MIND. WE’RE JUST THINKING ABOUT SPENDING IT WITH OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.”

On James: Striped cardigan, Kei & Kori available at Zalora, light blue crew neck shirt from Thread 365 available at Common Thread

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it is more physical fight. Now, we just throw words at each other, not hurtful things though. But as we grow older, it is becoming less and less. I guess, we’ve matured. I believe football has helped us become what we are, who we are.”

Phil agrees: “It motivates us. If James is doing better than me, it pushes me to do better. Even off the field, we are still competitive.

On field, it is a given that your competitive side would surface because you are in your environment.

When it is off field, we can still get quite competitive, whether it is video game or Pictionary, especially during Christmas. Because we are playing with friends and families, huge group, it can get pretty intense but very fun.”

OF FILIPINO CHRISTMAS AND EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS Being both Filipino and British, James and Phil are exposed to both cultures. While the brothers grew up in England, every year during summer, they would visit the Philippines and spend time with their relatives.

“Our mom was from Malabon.

Growing up, we would travel from England to Malabon for vacation every year. But before we moved here, I had spent only one Christmas here. It was different because it was hot. Christmas is one of those times we can actually see our relatives.

Because when it is not Christmas, we are busy and so are they. And they all live in Valenzuela so it is quite challenging to visit them as often as we would like,” said Phil.

Last year, Phil spent his Christmas in England. When asked about it, Phil jokingly replies, “It was cold!”

“Seriously, Christmas in England and in the Philippines is very different. In England, we have to stay inside and spend Christmas at home because it is cold. You always have to keep yourself warm. In the Philippines, because we have tropical climate, you can stay out and head to the beach. At Christmas, you can travel, take a vacation and be out in the sun, have some tan,” shares Phil.

James continues: “When Mom was still alive, she would be busy wrapping gifts, decorating the home with holiday decor and cooking. No one can ever beat mom’s cooking.

We often have roast chicken for the mid-day feast. Then, we would have some pudding and cakes for dessert.

Then, we would gather around and play some games.”

The Younghusbands prefer giving gifts now more than receiving them.

“When we were younger, we liked receiving gifts a lot. But as we grow older, we like giving gifts more. Our mom didn’t like us giving her gifts on Christmas. She just wanted a letter.

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So, on every occasion, I would write her a really sweet letter,” says Phil.

Being together almost everyday and not knowing what to give each other, the brothers usually end up buying football shoes as presents.

“It is quite challenging to find what gifts to give to Phil because we are together almost everyday. We play football together,” says James.

“James has everything. Maybe, just the things he needs now. Sometimes, we just go and watch movies together. James would go shopping with Keri,” says Phil.

If there’s one thing that James doesn’t like about the holiday season, it’s shopping. “It can get very stressful, especially if it is nearing the Christmas Day. I like giving gifts to friends and families but the Christmas rush is a totally different thing,” says James.

Gift-giving is something that

sometimes keeps Phil and James on the edge. “We always write a list of who we give gifts to. Then, Phil would tell me about this person and I would check my list and he would not be on the list. We don’t want to leave anyone out. We believe that the more you give, the more you get. We are happy to give.”

The holidays with the Younghusbands also mean lots of food. “It is that time of the year when we don’t care how much we eat,” says Phil.

James likes kare-kare while Phil likes lechon especially its crispy skin.

Of all the Filipino Christmas traditions, the brothers have yet to try Simbang Gabi. “I’ve heard about Simbang Gabi. We are aware of it.

Filipinos go to mass at dawn for nine consecutive days starting December 16. But we haven’t done that. Maybe, someday.”

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BAGOONG IN MY PAELLA

by Nats Sisma Villaluna

“C

hristmas eve with Pope John Paul is a MUST!” I gave the small note stuck on my computer screen one last look and picked up my suitcase. It was four days before Christmas and blame it on my erratic timetable and a series of unavoidable circumstances, I couldn’t go home for the Yuletide season. To ward off any melancholic sentiments come Christmas eve, I decided to celebrate Christmas travelling. And Italy was the perfect choice.

After enduring the 14-hour bus ride from Santiago de Compostela to Barcelona to meet up with my two travel buddies, we took a very early flight to Milano. The two–hour flight was generally smooth save for some occasional slight turbulence. Feeling the plane shake and very much aware that we were thousands of feet above the breathtaking French Alps, I held onto my seat reciting all the prayers I could muster. The presence of Dani Pedrosa, one of the world’s best motorcycle racers, who was just a few seats away from ours, didn’t help calm my nerves.

MILAN WITHOUT THE DUOMO It had just stopped snowing when we arrived in Milan. The Doumo was the obvious first stop but to our dismay, we couldn’t have a beautiful angle of the cathedral as its facade was covered with scaffoldings. As expected, we bumped into a lot of Pinoys everywhere we went. Honestly, without the Duomo, Milan is ho-hum.

The following day, our spirits were so high as we headed for Venezia. As first timers on board a train in Italy, we were clueless on how the seat-cabinthing worked. Once we saw a vacant cabin, we immediately occupied it and owned it during the entire ride. Almost.

As we were already nearing Venezia, the train inspector asked us to move out saying, “Your tickets say ‘Second Class’ and this is ‘First Class’”!

VENEZIA MERAVIGLIOSA Venice is a magical floating fairy land: The gondolas, the houses, the bridges, the squares and the waters! We even had the best pizza on earth. We spent the whole afternoon jumping from one bridge to another, taking photos of course. We played with the pigeons in the main piazza of San Marco and were tempted to shell out a hundred

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A CHRISTMAS DATE WITH THE POPE

“I FINALLY SAW THE POPE! HE WAVED IN OUR DIRECTION. I WAVED BACK AND GLEEFULLY CLAPPED ALONG WITH THE REST OF THE ATTENDEES. HE LOOKED SO FRAIL AND SPOKE SO SLOWLY. STILL, I WAS AWESTRUCK.” bucks sailing around the city being serenaded by a charming gondolero.

We thought better of it. Instead, we ran to the public boat bus station where we only paid three euros per person.

Little did we know that the whole boat ride would give us an unexpected tour of the city with the spectacular view of an orange sunset kissing the glistening Venetian waters. Monet’s Sunset in Venice came to life before our very eyes. In the end, it was as if we had a gondola ride sans a gorgeous Italian gondolier rendering the undying “Caro Mio.” Avoiding the exorbitantly-priced rooms in Venice, we marched to the train station and headed for Florence.

Staying away from first class cabins, we settled in a crowded wagon filled with shouting Italian bambinos. Once seated, we busied ourselves reviewing our photos taken in Milan and Venice.

So engrossed were we that we almost missed our stop! We hurriedly got off and as we were pacing towards the exit, I suddenly realized that I had left my luggage in the overhead compartment of the train. I rushed back and checked one wagon after the other. My heart was heinously beating at a speed closed to a heart attack.

Few seconds after I got off the train, this time with my suitcase in hand, it started chugging out of the station.

@Alf75 | Dreamstime.com - Christmas In Rome Photo

FREEZING FIRENZE It was around eight in the evening when we hit the streets of freezing Florence. Looking for a place to stay.

We bumped into a friendly and loud Filipino trans-man with an Italian boyfriend in tow. “I found my place in the world!” After reciting a long litany of praise for Italian men, she barked at her shy boyfriend to take a photo of us. Along the way, we met more Filipinos exchanging “Merry Christmas.”

The chilly air made me dream of another batch of pizza for dinner.

The following morning, we strolled through the centro storico, devoured the beauty of Piazza della Signoria and ogled outside the shops along Ponte Vecchio. After lunch, we hopped on

the train once more. Pisa was next.

Standing a few feet away from the tower, we were amazed by its…um… tilting. The rest of the afternoon was spent immortalizing every angle of the famous wonder.

AH, ROMA...

A thousand photos later, I was already looking at the brown patches of land rushing outside the train window. Ah, la cuitat bella! Rome was soaked and wet when we got out of the station.

The nearby metro stop was closed and it seemed that the Roman bus drivers were already off-duty for their Christmas Eve’s panetone.

We remained silent during the taxi ride even though we had the strong feeling that the driver was giving us an unsolicited tour of the unfamiliar streets of Rome before dropping us off at St. Peter’s Basilica! Squeezing ourselves into the crowd, we saw and stopped a Filipino nun. “Sister, can you suggest a hostel nearby?” She shook her head. “But I have tickets!” “Tickets?”

“You are hearing mass with the Pope, aren’t you?” We nodded in unison.

“Here, take these. You need tickets to get inside the Basilica! Not everybody has tickets!” We totally forgot all about the hostel. We were ecstatic. We were going to see the Pope! After the Vatican guards found no threats inside our valigias, we happily marched inside.

I finally saw the Pope! He waved in our direction. I waved back and gleefully clapped along with the rest of the attendees. He looked so frail and spoke so slowly. Still, I was awestruck.

The mass ended at two in the morning and the temperature had gone down to minus seven. The street was oddly empty. Where had all those thousands of people gone? There were a few taxicabs passing by but we ignored them. As we reached the main street, we dropped our suitcases and stood right in front of the bus stop knowing perfectly well that no bus was coming.

Then I heard one of us asking nobody in particular.

“Um, guys, where are we going to sleep now?”

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FEATURE

HOME FOR CHRISTMAS Words and photos by Melissa Legarda-Alcantara

“I’VE OFTEN TRIED EXPLAINING TO MY FRIENDS WHAT THE PHILIPPINES IS LIKE, BUT ITS CULTURE, ITS ATMOSPHERE, ITS VITALITY IS DIFFICULT TO EXPLAIN IN WORDS. THERE’S NO SPIRIT LIKE THE UPBEAT, POSITIVE BONHOMIE OF THE FILIPINO SPIRIT. IT’S SOMETHING YOU HAVE TO EXPERIENCE FOR YOURSELF.” The adventure begins with our arrival at the hustle and bustle of Heathrow airport, where our check-in desk is typically identifiable by the tell-tale line of noisy, cheerful, chattering Filipino expats and OFWs, always with at least three families hastily repacking their overflowing bags last-minute.

Our own suitcases are usually chock-a-block with quaintly British bilin for friends and family back home: tins of Heinz baked beans, salt and vinegar crisps, Stilton cheese from Marks & Spencer, bars of Cadbury’s chocolate, endless jars of Marmite – definitely an acquired taste! My mother’s ability to wrangle Stilton cheese through airport security is a truly underrated skill.

W

hen I hear the word “home,” something curious happens: a mishmash patchwork of familiar images from my childhood blossoms in my mind.

I first think of London, that grand bustling metropolis with its red doubledecker buses, black taxis, and its grey drizzle. I think of the Embankment cityscape with Big Ben, the Gherkin, the twinkling Millennium Bridge, and the London eye silhouetted against the cloud-streaked skies.

Then, like a scene change in a movie, my mental image of London dissolves into a vibrant, sun-soaked vision of the archipelagic Philippines, emblemised by verdant rice terraces, glorious beaches, endless shopping malls touting the latest must have craze, colourful jeepneys, and

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of course, ubiquitous kamikaze taxis that fight for supremacy in the crawling city traffic.

However, this image fades too, and is replaced by a bright vision of my family, smiling and waving from all over the world, taking centre stage in my imagination.

AIRPORT ADVENTURES As I was born in England to Filipino parents, my Christmases have invariably alternated between London and Manila.

And since my first memorable flight to Manila in December as a little girl, returning there for Christmas remains a thrilling adventure that fills me with jittery excitement, promising humidity, new experiences, guaranteed sun, tropical fruits, yummy food, and of course, family.

CHRISTMAS IN MANILA When our plane reaches Philippine soil, after what feels like dozens of hours later, I know we’ve arrived because of the heat, the constant sounds of a car horn, and the aroma of warm, freshly baked pandesal: that’s what Manila smells like to me.

I’ve often tried explaining to my friends what the Philippines is like, but its culture, its atmosphere, its vitality is difficult to explain in words. There’s no spirit like the upbeat, positive bonhomie of the Filipino spirit. It’s something you have to experience for yourself.

Christmas in Manila to me heralds endless socialising, endless food! The warm humidity on the day feels slightly surreal – I am so used to the cold, the rain, the frostiness of British weather.

A typical Christmas day involves having dinner at my tita’s house in Sampaloc.

The house is bedecked in dazzling festive lights and tartan throws, and Christmas carols croon softly in the dining room.

“WE YEARN FOR OUR FILIPINO ROOTS ON THE MOST FESTIVE DAY OF THE YEAR. OUR PARÓL, A TRADITIONAL STAR-SHAPED CHRISTMAS LANTERN, HANGS PROUDLY IN THE LIVING ROOM WINDOW. ”

We yearn for our Filipino roots on the most festive day of the year. Our paról, a traditional star-shaped Christmas lantern, hangs proudly in the living room window. When I see the paról flashing colourfully from outside, nobly distinguished from the typical Santa Clauses and reindeers decorating the houses of our neighbours, I feel a thrill of pride. The paról reminds me of just how privileged we are to belong to such a rich, vivid, and exquisitely unique culture.

Clockwise from left: The traditional parol; gifts for each member of the family; spending a snowy Christmas During Christmas dinner, children of the new generation run amok as siblings, cousins, in-laws, and family reunite upon the soil of their ancestors.

We open gifts, we share memories, and we learn of the hilarious escapades, sorrowful times, and daily drudgery punctuated by surprise delights and holiday moments, all particular to relatives on either side of the continent.

AN ENGLISH YULETIDE When I wake up on Christmas morning in London, the windows are frosted over with cold. I hear voices murmuring and music playing; I smell the rich, chocolate aroma of Dad’s signature champorado simmering nearby, along with the not unpleasant pungency of freshly grilled (a new low fat option) dilis.

Only a handful of family live in England, mostly from my father’s side – so Christmas in England is a much quieter affair. They usually come over for Christmas lunch.

When it’s time to eat, my mother (see: head chef) astounds us all. She whips up a real British storm; roast turkey and Yorkshire puddings with gravy and cranberry sauce; golden roast potatoes with honey-glazed vegetables.

Peas, beans, and brussel sprouts!

But Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without our bowl of lumpia, pot full of chicken adobo, or enormous bowl of rice also gracing the dinner table. As we eat our mixed culture spread with forks and spoons, the elders natter away in Tagalog; the younger ones chatter a mile a minute in English.

Snow falls softly outside as we spend Christmas day together laughing, reminiscing, eating, bonding. We listen to mass. We sing along to carols and watch the Queen’s Christmas message.

We watch British movie staples like Notting Hill and Bridget Jones’s Diary.

Sometimes we’ll put on TFC to see the festive spirit of our kindred on the other side of the world.

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS Whether I spend Christmas in London or Manila, they equally feel like “home.”

If I try to think of my home as a physical place, it’s difficult to pinpoint any one object or country or experience, because it’s about the feeling of the word.

Last year, following the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, we found that spending Christmas in Manila left us humbled and inspired. Extravagant decorations were stripped back out of respect for Haiyan’s victims, and the materialistic ideals of the holiday were restored to its true spiritual values: family and gratitude.

Hundreds of thousands of families had the houses they lived in and their prized possessions destroyed, and yet remained so thankful, so happy for having their loved ones safely around them. If I had to pick one word to represent the Filipino spirit, it would be “resilience”.

I’ve thus come to realise that home, in actuality, is not a tangible place, but more of a fluid, abstract concept built on family and love. They say home is where the heart is, and indeed, it’s the truth. So that is why, when my loved ones come together for Christmas to reconnect, it doesn’t matter whether we’re in London, Manila, or Timbuktu, because when I’m with them – I’m home.

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FEATURE

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

by Dheza Marie Aguilar

A

n announcement blares from the invisible speakers just as I reach the station from work.

It looks like I am going to stay out in the cold for another 20 minutes, waiting for the train going to the province of my in-laws. I am celebrating Christmas with my husband’s family. It is freezing, the wind is blowing and I can feel the biting cold in my bones. I lost my gloves a few hours ago and my coat is only good for autumn. I still haven’t learned how to dress for the cold. This is my first winter.

The gifts are lying near my feet: two paper bags and a book beautifully packed in gold wrapper with intricate laces. They are few compared to the number

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of presents I would have prepared had I been at home in the Philippines. Though they cost almost the same as the money I sent home to buy gifts for 20 relatives.

I wanted to buy that leather boots I saw in the boutique near my office. The pair is a gorgeous reddish-brown, knee-high and very warm. It is the perfect winter boots. They’ll keep my feet warm and protected especially when walking in ankle-deep snow.

But the price tag would have covered the month’s rent, electricity, water and noche buena. I decided to be a good daughter and send most of my money to the Philippines. Family comes first before me, especially during occasions like Christmas. The balikabayan box

“IT IS A SCENERY STRAIGHT FROM A HALLMARK CARD, THE FANTASY OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS. I FEEL I SHOULD BE THRILLED BY THE LANDSCAPE. AFTER ALL, HOW MANY MIDDLE CLASS FILIPINOS ARE GIVEN THE CHANCE TO SPEND CHRISTMAS LIKE THIS? IRONICALLY, MY HEART IS CRYING OUT TO BE HOME IN THE PHILIPPINES.”

must be filled and no one should be forgotten. This is a responsibility that almost every Filipino migrant has to fulfill, that I happily oblige to.

The train station is quiet as always; the Dutch are patiently waiting for the trains. There are no long lines for tickets, no bulky traveling bags nor SM plastic bags, no conductors screaming the time of departure and most of all, no vendors selling mani, nilagang itlog, Dunkin Doughnuts, apples, oranges, overpriced mineral water or C2. Standing amidst these people, their faces showing no signs of any Holiday joy, it is very hard to tell that this is the day before Christmas.

One hardly hears Christmas songs, unless it is played from the radio in your car. There are no Christmas-themed shows in the television. The streets are not drowning with Christmas lights and there are no posters or banners saying “Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon mula kay Mayor, Konsehal, Senator, Barangay Captain Juan dela Cruz,” complete with the picture and website of the greeter. And there are no hordes of street kids raiding my apartment every night, shrilling Christmas carols and swearing at me when I don’t give them money.

There are no midnight sales and stores still close at 6 pm. No Divisoria or Greenhills to run to for last minute shopping. Christmas rush does not exist at all.

There is heavy traffic though. But no stranger greeting you, “Merry Christmas!,” on the street.

The train finally comes. I heave a sigh of relief. My hands are very cold and I can’t feel my ears anymore.

Two minutes later, it crawls through the rails, passed the tunnels of Rotterdam and out of the city. We pass acres of fields covered with pristine white snow, bald trees, pine trees and rows of windmills. It is four in the afternoon and it is already dark. They turned on the streetlights, giving a soft distant glow to the steep roofs that typifies Dutch houses. You can see glimpses of snowmen and kids throwing snowballs at each other. It is a scenery straight from a Hallmark card, the fantasy of a White Christmas. I feel I should be thrilled by the landscape. After all, how many middle class Filipinos are given the chance to spend Christmas like this? Ironically, my heart is crying out to be home in the Philippines.

There is a Christmas tree in my in-law’s house,

the only indication of Christmas here. In my own flat, we have a real pine tree, giving off fresh and unfamiliar scent to the whole house. It is decorated with white and red Christmas balls, fancy lights and other trinkets. It is a beauty, very far from the coffee tree branches that me and my sister used to gather from our backyard and decorate with cotton balls and twisted colored papers to resemble a Christmas tree.

I never had a real Christmas tree until I moved to the Netherlands. At this moment however, I am longing for the ones we used to have.

We are having take-out Chinese food for dinner.

This was agreed upon two weeks ago when I offered to cook our Christmas dinner and they declined. It takes too much time to marinate the pork for adobo, whip eggs and mix it with milk for leche flan, prepare and slice the ham, cook the sauce for the sweet and spicy spaghetti and grilled chicken. Suffice to say, Noche Buena doesn’t exist in this household.

After dinner and a couple glasses of wine, I excuse myself and go to my room. I think of the conversation I had earlier with my mother, who happily told me that they were enjoying a simple Noche Buena with my relatives and that everyone had been given their gifts like I instructed. My mother has a new cellphone and her first call was overseas to me. “Merry Christmas anak. Ingat kayo palagi.” That’s her standard message, this time with a Christmas wish. I never realized until now that a simple message, like a Christmas greeting, could actually make me cry.

Tonight, for the first time, my phone is silent. There are no forwarded Christmas greetings from friends, officemates, and relatives.

Looking outside my window, the snow and the street lamp make a tranquil picturesque scene.

Different memories of home run through my head: the noise that the carolers make, the mouth-watering and fattening Noche Buena my mother would usually prepare, my Dad and his drinking buddies coming over on Christmas day, my inaanaks (godchildren) queueing outside our door for their presents, the midnight masses that I attend if only for the festive atmosphere in the church and the laughter of family and friends. I am actually missing the chaos and traffic of Manila, the deafening firecrackers, the impatience of waiting in the pier of Lucena for the ferry going to Marinduque and the drunk, scary tambays (loiterers) outside my gate.

Without them, Filipino Christmas is not the same.

I put the heater on a warmer setting, crawls under the blanket and close my eyes. I will be asleep after a while. And my dreams will be filled with images of celebrating Christmas at home, surrounded by the warmth and love of my friends and family.

This article was first published on the Philippine Star on December 2009.

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TRAVEL

ARCTIC ADVENTURE

by Sheila Riikonen

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“L

ying down in your snowmobile, fish line in hand, no hurry, no worry...just you and the fishes beneath you. Both waiting.This is life in the Arctic. This is Arctic freedom,“ Filipino resident of Finland Eduardo Ygot II narrates his safari adventure with ice fishing in Kemi, 732 km from Helsinki, a Nordic winter capital.

“Grrrrr.. it was so cold!”, he says.

Exploring unique holiday destinations in Lappland, a team of six Finnish-Filipino based in London, Helsinki, and Manila braved subzero temperatures to become the first few to conquer the Arctic Circle.

“It’s a must especially for urbanites - the Arctic Circle is the most exotic destination I’ve been lately – sleeping on an ice bed at -5C and snowmobile safari on a frozen sea – my most awesome experience!” recalls UK-based nurse Kristian Bernelle Cocos.

EXPERIENCING THE SNOW CASTLE “The Snow Castle is a place beyond imagination.

Dining in an ice block table with ice glasses is so out of this world. If you like extreme, I dare you to try it!”, says Jessica Nagar Nieminen, a kindergarten teacher in Helsinki, when referring to the snow castle built in Ruutinpuisto park in Kemi, which took up about the size of two football fields.

The group, with 10-year-old Aurora Riikonen, rode the reliable fast train VR Express to stay overnight on their first stop at the The Snow castle of Kemi, considered as the biggest Snow Castle in the world, rebuilt every winter since 1996 on an area between 13,000 and 20,000 sqm with 65ft (20 m) high and

Photos courtesy of the Finnish Tourism Board #10 2014 37

The husky ride is one of the most exhilarating part of the trip.

3,280 ft (1000 m) long walls.

“This is a once in a lifetime experience. Sleeping in a Snow Castle while outside it’s -20oC. All I have is my first layer long-johns, a warm fleece blanket, and an airtight sleeping bag. Surprisingly it’s warm, ”says Liza Licudine, owner of Philippines-based Sunbee Tours & Travel.

The first Snow Castle in 1996 was a joint gift for children from UNICEF and the city of Kemi. Last year the theme was “Secrets of the Sea,” when the Snow Castle tells how snow feels, looks and tastes like.

SAMPO ARCTIC ICE BREAKER Winter safaris can include optional stays in an igloo, trailer, or hotel accommodation. But the most exotic of its kind is a unique vessel called sampo, named after an element in the Finnish mythology Kalevala.

The sampo is a mysterious magical artefact created by figurative character Ilmarinen, a blacksmith. Otherwise known as “sammas”, a sampo is know to have magical powers that bring good fortune to its holder.

The Sampo Arctic Ice Breaker, the only one in the world used for tourism lives up to that legend. “Waiting for the only tourist ice breaker in the world to fetch us after hours of cruising the frozen Arctic Sea was a bŕeathtaking experience,” says Licudine. “So we drove for four hours across the sea of Bothnia, then our safari guide stopped in the middle of nowhere, informed us that he will call for our ride... and this thing came - the Sampo Arctic Ice Breaker, the only ice breaker in the world, used for tourism!”

Wanting to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis, the team, whose members included a 12-year-old, had to enjoy a variety of tasks like cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and kick sleighing, or kicksled. Cross country is easier than Alpine skiing but this is done on top of the frozen sea. Finally, the small group visited a reindeer farm and met local Finns dressed in indigenous Sami costumes.

With a breathtaking view of the spectacular Arctic sun displayed with the frozen sea as backdrop, the

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Feeding a reindeer is optional but definitely, a must-try. group left their snowmobiles in the middle of the frozen Arctic Ocean, then boarded the Ice Breaker Cruise, like space walkers. We even got to feed Ulla the 8-year-old reindeer.

The Nordic menu at the Snow Restaurant left a group of mostly European, American, and Chinese greatly satisfied and ready for the next adventure.

There was creamy salmon soup, cream of smoked reindeer soup, fillet of beef with root vegetables, red wine sauce, and blue cheese potatoes. An alternative was succulent Snow Castle’s fish in foil which was salmon, perch, potatoes and tomatoes with lemon sauce. Dessert was chocolate parfait and panna fragola or strawberry mousse.

The delicious meal was well-deserved, eaten right after floating between blocks of ice or swimming in the frozen sea of Bothnia wearing a special thermal inflated suit.

“In 2010, Russia shocked the world by announcing the possibility of tourism in the moon. Forget the moon! Visit Kemi in Northern Scandinavia and

“FORGET THE MOON! VISIT KEMI IN NORTHERN SCANDINAVIA AND EXPERIENCE FLOATING IN THE ICE COLD SEA. DEFY YOUR SENSES. CONQUER YOUR FEARS! “

The Aurora Borealis turns the sky into a magical sight. experience floating in the ice cold sea. Defy your senses. Conquer your fears! “ says Ygot.

Tourists try ice swimming with the Sampo Arctic Ice Breaker watching over them.

SANTA CLAUS LIVES IN A VILLAGE After staying in Kemi for three days and two nights, the adventurers now boarded a short train ride to neighboring city of Oulu, a cheaper, non-direct route to Rovaniemi, Lapland. Known as one of the world’s most northerly cities, Rovaniemi deserves this accolade being located just a few kilometers south of the Arctic Circle.

Our team arrived around midday, and immediately toured Arktikum, a popular culture destination with a distinctive and beautifully designed elongated glass tunnel stretching out to the Ounasjoki river. The Arktikum also exhibits an adventure to Finnish Lapland and the Arctic region, with an authentic review of the history of Finnish Lapland, science and the phenomena of the Aurora Borealis.

Day 2 at Lappland was spent visiting the Santa Claus Village. Santa Park is the official hometown of Santa Claus. It gets visitors from over 40 countries the world over. You can also visit a reindeer farm and enjoy a husky ride in a Sami farm setting or go on an icefishing or winter safari.

The Arctic Snow Hotel offers igloo-type accommodations, a snow restaurant, a snow sauna, among others. We stayed at the Santa Claus Hotel, a 10-minute drive from Santa Claus Village. The four-star establishment is known as the finest hotel in the area.

Do not expect rowdy bars and noisy nightlife. Serious skiers, skateboarders and winter sports lovers are usually cuddled in their individual fireplaces, toasting marshmallows and drinking hot chocolates while hoping to catch a sight of the midnight sun.

Do not forget the hot saunas. Finns are famous for winning the World Sauna Competitions, held annually in Finland.

The next Snow Castle adventure is on Jan. 24, 2015.

For more information, visit www.sunbeetours.com.

The daring adventurers with Santa Claus. #10 2014

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TRAVEL

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HOW TO MAKE THE TRADITIONAL PAROL

by Ma. Glaiza Lee photos by Joel C. Forte

I

t wouldn’t be Christmas in the Philippines without the colorful parol. These twinkling, most often metallic, star-shaped ornaments symbolize hope, joy and happiness.

Historically, the pattern of the first parol was created in 1908 by Francisco Estanislao, an artisan from Pampanga, a province north of the Philippines. According to the David-Quiwa family, one of the master lantern-makers in Pampanga, Estanislao used bamboo strips to create the lantern, pasted papel de japon on it and illuminated it with a kalburo (carbide). Back then, it was

used by the locals to light their paths on the way to the Misa de Gallo (dawn Masses).

The look and shape of the parol has evolved through the years. From bamboo sticks, lantern-makers now use other traditional and nontraditional materials such as glass, beads, feathers, plastic, shells, straw, wood and even metals. From a small five-pointed star, the modern parol comes in different sizes and shapes.

Making a parol is a challenging, arduous task. It begins with conceptualizing the design. The maker would visualize how the lights

will move, putting much consideration into the materials, the number of workers and the amount of time it will take to finish a design.

Once the design has been finalized, he would scale it down using chalk or pencil on the ground. The framers would then trace the pattern with a steel frame, which the welders would put together. The design layout will be done twice –for the front and back of the lantern. Tracing the pattern has to be precise because it is the foundation of the parol.

When the two frames are done, they would put them together, with

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“THE LOOK AND SHAPE OF THE PAROL HAS EVOLVED THROUGH THE YEARS. FROM BAMBOO STICKS, LANTERN-MAKERS NOW USE OTHER TRADITIONAL AND NON-TRADITIONAL MATERIALS SUCH AS GLASS, BEADS, FEATHERS, PLASTIC, SHELLS, STRAW, WOOD AND EVEN METALS.”

ample distance between them so there will be enough space for the bulbs and electric wiring.

Then, workers would do the socalled kulong where they would put cardboard between the steel frames.

This step dictates the shape and design of the lantern. The cardboard will serve as the walls of each lantern compartment, allowing the light to go from one specific place to the next when lit up.

Strips of palara, a special kind of paper, are pasted on each compartment. The idea is for the light to “bounce” inside the compartment, increase the luminance of each bulb.

Next is the preparation of the bulbs. One small parol needs at least 300 bulbs. A medium-sized parol requires at least 500 bulbs, while the large one needs 1,000 bulbs. For 20feet high lanterns, which are usually displayed during the Giant Lantern Festival in Pampanga, they need 5,000 to 7,000 bulbs.

Most parol-makers recycle the bulbs. Some makers hire out-ofschool children to clean the bulbs who make sure they wipe away all their previous colors. When cleaning is done, each bulb will be tested whether they are still working or not.

One group of workers will prepare the electrical wiring; while another paint the bulbs with colors specified in the design. When the paint on the bulbs has dried, the workers will then install them in the frame.

Following the design faithfully, the maker will place the bulbs in each compartment, making sure the bulbs are connected to specific electrical lines that determine their colors and movements. One misplaced bulb can change the lantern’s light sequence pattern.

When he finishes the bulb installation, the lantern-maker would begin the electrical route, lining up the electrical lines from the generators to the rotor. Considered the “mind of the lantern,” the rotor dictates the “dance” of the lights.

Several workers would cover the face of the lantern with transparent sheets of paper and cutouts and then overlay plastic sheets on top. The plastic sheets serve as protection from strong winds, rains and other harsh environmental elements when it is up and installed.

Parol-making is not easy. But once

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Lantern-makers assemble gigantic Christmas lanterns. the parol is lit up, you are rewarded with such a dazzling spectacle.

The best time to see these colorful Christmas decorations is during the Giant Lantern Festival, locally known as Ligligan Parol, held annually on the Saturday before the Christmas Eve in San Fernando City, Pampanga.

Because of its popularity, the city has been dubbed, “The Christmas Capital of the Philippines.”

It is said that the festival was first held in Bacolor which was then the capital of the province. Following the change in the provincial capital, the celebration of the lantern festival

was transferred from Bacolor to San Fernando in August 1904. Some said that Ligligan Parol was celebrated right after but others believed it began in 1908. But whether or not the story is true, one thing is certain: the first lantern festival was held in honor of the late Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon. Legend has it, former President Quezon proclaimed Mount Arayat as a tourist spot during a visit in town. The people of San Fernando held a Christmas lantern contest to mark the occasion. Since then, it has become an annual celebration.

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TRAVEL

JOURNEY TO THE PAST

by Diana A. Uy

P

hilippine capital Manila was abuzz recently with the reopening of the six-storey Luneta Hotel.

Dwarfed by more modern buildings today, the fully restored Luneta Hotel looks a bit out of place yet mighty proud to be standing there to welcome tourists of the 21st century.

Luneta Hotel was built in 1919, during prewar Manila. It is one of the few structures that survived during the bombing of the city in 1945.

Designed by Spanish architectengineer Salvador Farre, Luneta Hotel is said to be the only remaining French Renaissance building in the country.

Cultural writer and conservationist Bambi Harper described the hotel’s Mansard roof, French windows, carved details, beautiful grilles, and studied proportions as reminiscent of the said architectural style.

High society, foreign dignitaries, American soldiers and merchant men were the regular hotel clients during its heyday. Former US President Dwight Eisenhower was said to have stayed in the hotel for more than four years.

Luneta Hotel changed hands several times before the Lacson family took over in 2007, two decades after the last owner abandoned it. Fortunately, the new owners decided to preserve and restore what’s left of the almost crumbling hotel.

“Luneta Hotel is not just a hotel. It’s very much part of the history of Manila.

It’s something that we are proud about,” says Maria Nina Lacson, director at Luneta Hotel and granddaughter of departed owner Cipriano Jacob Lacson.

The original facade was maintained including the French windows, ceiling details and gargoyles, which had to be retrofitted. These stone creatures of the Old World also functioned as rain pipes of sorts back in the day. Left to decay and rot on its own for so many years, the hotel interior had to be completely rebuilt. Some of the fixtures like the old colored tiles were turned into wall accents. The fleur-de-lis wrought iron gates or windows were re-purposed, enclosed in textured, frosted glass

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This half-caged chair decorates the hotel lobby.

The cozy rooms combine modern and Old World fixtures.

framed by heavy wood.

Other fixtures may not be original but brought in for their history and importance to the owners. For instance, the grand staircase’s balustrades are made of 400-year-old wood from San Bartolome Cathedral in Malabon City.

The reclaimed pieces of wood were donated to the family who is a staunch supporter of the Church.

The National Historical Commission has placed a marker on the hotel, making it a national landmark.

Luneta Hotel categorizes itself as a boutique hotel, featuring 27 standard rooms. They come complete with modern amenities like HD flat screen TV with cable, mini bar, and Internet. The rooms can either have king or queen size beds.

Most rooms have bath tubs. The toiletries are from L’Occitaine. Charming accents like an old phone, which actually works, can be found in some of the rooms.

“We try to incorporate as much French as we could into the hotel,” says Lacson.

Guests can actually make use of the balconies, wherein they can almost feel like they’ve just been transported to the city of Paris. Simply standing there, taking

“LUNETA HOTEL IS NOT JUST A HOTEL. IT’S VERY MUCH PART OF THE HISTORY OF MANILA. IT’S SOMETHING THAT WE ARE PROUD ABOUT.” in the views of the tree-lined avenue below and the similarly old buildings around, is enough to make one feel being in the City of Lights.

Dining options include Cafe Yano and Filomena’s Garden that serve up Filipino, Spanish, and American cuisines. There’s a rooftop cocktail bar offering magnificent views of Manila Bay. They serve French wines.

“We want to make sure that the experience of our guests is as authentic as possible,” says Lacson.

Luneta Hotel is near tourist spots like Intramuros, Manila Ocean Park, Rizal Park, and Chinatown.

Luneta Hotel is located at 414 T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila. For reservations, visit www.lunetahotel.com

A historical marker is mounted near the hotel entrance.

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EXPAT ISSUES

SURVIVING THE HOLIDAY SEASON

by Maan D’Asis Pamaran

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he Philippines is on record as having one of the longest Christmas seasons in the world. As soon as the “Ber” months roll in, carols start playing on the radio and malls make sure to remind everyone of how many days are left to shop for friends and loved ones.

This country is also known for its beautiful holiday traditions. Some of the things our expats surely miss are hanging a lighted parol on the porch, augmented by twinkling Christmas lights; and the Simbang Gabi, where the faithful attend advent Mass starting Dec. 16. It is also around this time that kids go caroling door-to-door, spreading Yuletide cheer in exchange for a few coins, and hawkers start appearing on the main streets selling everything from novelty toys to cheap gift wrappers.

Revelry While everything looks sparkly and splendid from the outside, there are also challenges that one has to face when in the country during this crazily hectic time. Some of them are enough to make you say “Bah, humbug!” and hide under the covers until the coast is clear, but with a few minor adjustments you can steer clear of these inconveniences to experience a festive Filipino Christmas: Heavy traffic. The metro is already congested enough as it is but as D-day draws nearer, it can come to a grinding halt. Malls, especially those located near the main thoroughfares, start holding midnight sales particularly around the time Christmas bonuses and the mandatory 13th month pay is given to employees. The gridlock is inevitable and the best way to deal with it is to reroute your journey or avoid going out to clogged areas or during rush hour. The Metro Manila Development Authority has a twitter account that shares traffic updates, and they also have an app that gives a general idea of street situations.

Overindulging. If there is one thing about Filipino celebrations is that nobody goes home hungry. In a show

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“BE MINDFUL OF YOUR THINGS WHEN IN CROWDED PLACES AND AVOID FLASHING EXPENSIVE ITEMS SUCH AS YOUR CELL PHONE WHEN IN PUBLIC AREAS. MAKE SURE TO KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR KIDS WHEN VENTURING INTO MALLS AS THEY CAN EASILY GET LOST IN THE CRUSH OF PEOPLE.”

@Hrlumanog | Dreamstime.com - Severe Traffic Congestion Photo

of typical Filipino hospitality, hosts often cook too much food and invite guests to dig in – and usually have a prepacked container with more food for the guests-of-honor to bring home. It is easy, then, to overindulge. The specialty of the house should never be refused as this might offend the host. The best way to deal with this is to choose healthier meals when not attending the numerous Christmas parties and to try detoxing juices while you are at it. If you are already diagnosed as predisposed to certain conditions such as hypertension or diabetes, a checkup could also be a good idea.

Gift-giving dilemmas. As a balikbayan or an expat to the country– and as a gracious guest at a gathering -it is often a good gesture to give simple gifts to friends, business associates, and members of your extended family. It need not be pricey. Save the expensive items for loved ones and get generic presents such as bottles of wine or small souvenir items from your home country.

Drunk drivers. During the wee small hours of the holiday mornings, the streets can have more than a few inebriated drivers. It is best to drive defensively and to look at all directions before getting into gear at a green light.

In a previous interview with Lifeline Rescue managing director Michael Deakin, he revealed that this is about the time that a lot of road accidents occur. If you are the one who has had one too many to drink, you can also call

them to pick you up they will take care of bringing you – and your car – safely home. Download their app from Google play, or call 16-911 for pickup service.

Safety issues. Everyone is out and about this season, and criminals are no exception. Here, common sense is your best defense. Be mindful of your things when in crowded places and avoid flashing expensive items such as your cell phone when in public areas.

Make sure to keep an eye on your kids when venturing into malls as they can easily get lost in the crush of people. If you expect to be shopping the whole day, best to leave the kids at home altogether.

Crowds and long lines. When Christmas season starts, expect long queues everywhere. Supermarkets are filled with shoppers buying food items for their Christmas feasts, people ticking off their gift lists line up at department store cashiers, and parking is going to be a nightmare. Restaurants are also going to be running on full capacity at this time, and don’t get us started on the restroom situation. Avoid these headaches by doing your shopping early, and opting to go malling/dining at more upscale places that can be a tad less crowded.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can avoid some of the hassles and headaches that most metro denizens experience during what is the most wonderful time of the year, and get to enjoy what makes Christmas in the Philippines truly magical.

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RECIPES

NOCHE BUENA

by Dolly Dy-Zulueta photos by Rafael R. Zulueta

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hristmas is a very important occasion for us Filipinos. We prepare for it early, saving money and allotting a sizable budget for Christmas food, gift-giving and get-togethers every year. Christmas carols start playing in the airwaves as soon as the ‘ber’ months come, the shopping malls are quickly dressed in festive holiday style right after the Halloween décor is taken down, and an atmosphere of Christmas abundance fills the air as churches get ready for Simbang Gabi (Midnight or dawn Masses) that take place for nine straight days, from December 16 to 24, Christmas Eve. Such is the reason why the Philippines is known to have the longest Christmas celebration in the world.

All the preparations and celebrations lead up to the highlight of the Christmas season, which is the Noche Buena at 12 midnight of Christmas Day. Families get together, go to Mass, and then come home to a sumptuous Noche Buena.

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The table is set, teeming with festive celebration food, which usually includes a juicy and luscious ham, coupled with chicken galantina, embotido, queso de bola, and other delicious savory dishes like lengua con cetas and menudo sulipeña, and a wide selection of sweet treats such as buko salad, tibok-tibok, bibingka, puto bumbong, biko, leche flan, halayang ube and sapin-sapin. Noche Buena is not complete without these festive fares that have come to be associated with the Filipino Christmas celebration.

So, for this Christmas issue of the Filipino Expat, celebrity chef Gene Gonzalez, whose Café Ysabel along P. Guevarra St. in San Juan is consistently on the Best Restaurants list and whose Center for Asian Culinary Studies (CACS) is one of the top culinary schools in the country today, has prepared this Noche Buena spread – and shares their recipes, too – so Filipinos all over the world can get to recreate them and enjoy them wherever they are.

Chef Gene Gonzalez

CHICKEN GALANTINA This stuffed chicken dish is a popular Filipino holiday food. While its preparation takes time and effort, since the chicken has to be carefully deboned with skill and precision, then stuffed with a mixture of ground meat, Chinese sausage, Vienna sausage, raisins, diced ham, carrots, bell pepper and whole boiled eggs, and cooked by steaming, Served sliced like ‘terrines,’ this is best enjoyed cold with either bread or rice.

1 whole chicken, around 1.2 to 1.5 kgs., deboned For the marinade: 1/4 cup soy sauce 1 tbsp. liquid seasoning 3 tbsps. calamansi juice For the filling: 1/2 kg. ground pork 2 pcs. chorizo de Bilbao, chopped 4 pcs. Vienna sausage, chopped 1 pc. large onion, chopped 1/2 cup breadcrumbs 1/4 cup pickle relish 100 grams cheese, cubed

1/2 cup green peas 1 pc. medium-sized carrot, cubed 2 eggs 1/2 cup breadcrumbs 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. black pepper For the sauce: 1/4 cup butter 1/4 cup flour 1/2 cup mushrooms, chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 pc. small onion, chopped 2 cups cooking liquid (water) salt and pepper to taste

GLAZED CHRISTMAS HAM The Christmas Ham is always at the center of the Noche Buena table. This tradition of having a huge cured pork as the main dish on the Christmas table is one that Filipinos share with other people all over the world.

Some folklore has it that it began among the Germanic people as a tribute to Freyr, a god in Germanic Paganism associated with boars, harvest and fertility, and was later popularized by the Catholic Church as a test of genuine conversion from Judaism. But whatever its real beginnings were, serving ham for Noche Buena is something that we Filipinos have come to embrace as our own.

1 pc. cooked ham leg For the glaze: 1 bottle mango jam

TIBOK-TIBOK Tibok-tibok is the Kapampangan version of Maja Blanca. The Kapampangan pudding is traditionally made with carabao’s milk, which gives the native delicacy a distinct slightly salty flavor. It’s called tibok-tibok because the mixture is cooked for a long time, and while the mixture boils, the bubbles that form at intervals while it is boiling ‘resembles’ the beating of the human heart. Since a heart beat is translated to ‘tibok ng puso’ in the native language, the delicacy was called tiboktibok. This kakanin is best eaten with a sprinkling of latik (toasted coconut curd) on top.

1 Marinate chicken in soy sauce liquid seasoning and calamansi juice for at least 20 minutes.

2 Combine all the ingredients for the stuffing. Stuff inside the cavity of the deboned chicken until full and seal the opening.

3 Fill a stockpot with water and boil.

Add in the stuffed chicken and let water come to a boil again. Reduce heat and allow to simmer for about 1-1/2 hours.

4 After simmering, remove the chicken from the broth, drain and allow to cool down to room temperature. Then chill in refrigerator for at least 12 hours.

5 Prepare the sauce. Sauté garlic and onion in butter. Add in mushrooms and cook for about 2 minutes. Sprinkle in flour and mix well. Slowly pour in cooking liquid. Cook until thick, stirring constantly. Season with salt and pepper.

6 To serve, slice chilled chicken and serve with sauce on the side.

1 bottle pineapple jam 1 large can pineapple juice 6-7 cloves star anise 1 cup honey 1/2 cup molasses 1 can 7-Up or Sprite 1 bottle beer 1 Combine all ingredients for the glaze in a pan large enough for the whole ham to fit. Simmer.

2 Make slits on the upper surface of the cooked ham leg. Put the ham in the glaze mixture, coat it well with the glaze, and cook for 1 hour, turning frequently so all the areas of the ham can be covered by glaze.

3 Take out ham from the glaze, place it on a baking dish, and bake in a 350°F oven for another hour.

4 Continue simmering the glaze until the sauce thickens.

5 Transfer ham to a serving platter when cooked, and serve sauce on the side.

1-3/4 to 2 cups milk 1/2 cup sugar 4 tbsps. coconut powder 1/2 cup cornstarch 1/2 cup water grated lemon rind 1 Mix together all ingredients.

2 Simmer over low heat until thick.

3 When desired consistency is achieved, pour mixture into molds and allow to set.

4 Unmold, cut into desired shapes, and top with latik (*made by cooking a little coconut cream in a pan, stirring constantly, until it curdles, solidifies and turns brownish).

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LENGUA CON CETAS A number of Filipino stews and dishes of Spanish descent have made it to the Filipino Noche Buena table in modern times, and one of the more popular ones happens to be lengua con setas. This dish has ox tongue as the main ingredient, paired with mushrooms and olives.

It’s tasty, because the tongue is widely believed to be the tastiest part of the cow, but making the dish takes time and patience because the ox tongue has to be boiled to tenderness and removing the skin from the tongue can be quite challenging. No matter, though, as we Filipinos will always labor over whipping up great dishes for the family, especially for Christmas.

1/2 cup flour 1 cup butter 1 liter ox tongue stock*

1 Make a blond roux (*sauce thickener made with flour and butter). Lightly toast flour in a saucepan until flour is creamy in color. Add butter and cook into a fine paste.

2 Add ox tongue stock (*the liquid where the ox tongue was boiled in), wine and mushrooms. Simmer until thick.

3 Add cream if desired.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4 Add sliced ox tongue and garnish with olives.

BIBINGKA

1 cup grated cheese, large hole on grater

A rice cake best associated with the Christmas season, bibingka is made with rice flour and coconut milk or water with eggs as main ingredients. It is cooked in a special clay or terra cotta pot, with charcoal fire at the bottom and on top of it. A soft and spongy flat cake that, when freshly cooked, fills the air with an amazing aroma coming from the toasted banana leaf under it, bibingka is usually enjoyed with a coating of butter or margarine, sprinkling of sugar and topping of salted duck egg slices, grated cheese and freshly grated coconut. Bibingka and puto bumbong are traditionally enjoyed with a cup of tsokolate after Simbang Gabi.

*For the galapong mix: 2 cups rice flour 1 cup glutinous rice flour 2 cups water

1 recipe galapong mix* 3-1/2 cups coconut milk about 200 gr 3-3/4 cups white sugar 3 cups evaporated milk 2-1/2 cups all purpose flour 1 tsp. lye water 1/4tsp. yellow food color 1/16 tsp. yeast 1/8 tsp. yeast 10 tbsps. baking powder 5 eggs butter for brushing 1 cup sliced Mozarella salted eggs, sliced

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1 cup sherry 1/2 cup brandy 2 cups whole mushrooms 1/2 cup cream (optional) salt and pepper to taste 1 pc. ox tongue, boiled to tenderness and skin peeled off 1/2 cup green olives

FILIPINO EXPAT MAGAZINE

1 First, prepare the galapong mix. Combine all ingredients in a bowl, then mix well.

2 Combine gata and galapong mix. Add sugar and evaporated milk, and mix until well incorporated.

In a small bowl, combine flour, lye water, food color, yeast and baking powder. Mix well. Add to the gata mixture. Strain, then whisk again. Allow to rest for 24 hours.

3 Whisk eggs and 1 cup of the bibingka mix 85 times.

4 Line bibingka mold (clay deep dish) with banana leaf.

Pour just enough of the cold bibingka batter over the banana leaf.

Put cover of bibingka cooker, with hot coal on it, on top.

5 When half-cooked, about 7 minutes, brush top of bibingka with butter. Line with Mozarella, salted egg slices and then cheese. Brush again with a little butter.

Continue cooking until done and charred marks show on some parts of the bibingka.

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