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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 2 WORDS FROM THE DIRECTOR SARAH MEIER 6 “THE MODERN FILIPINA” 8 CHERYL BURKE ALEXANDER CENA MICHAEL PANA 9 HANNAH VILLASIS 10 KARLA GARCIA VINCE GOLANGCO 12 “WHEN IN MANILA” RUBY VERIDIANO KAYWAN SHIRAZ 15 ANA JULATON 16 ESPERANZA GARCIA
Founded by students and young professionals, UniPro was established in August 2009. Within our �irst year, we established two programs and a strong balanced network of collaborations in order to ful�ill that respective purpose. Our two programs include USAPAN and Community Building. We approach the historical and numerous divisional problems within the Filipino and Asian American community with a two-step process via our programs. USAPAN, which means to have a conversation in Tagalog, the native language of the Philippines, was designed as a moderated conversation with the public regarding important topics relevant to our community. The purpose of USAPAN is to begin a dialogue with the public to create a proper foundation for an environment conducive of cooperation and shared interests. USAPAN has spanned throughout a number of public venues and Universities within various states and particularly within the tri-state area with topics ranging from professional endeavors, misconceptions and contemporary history. Our second program, Community Building is our means to set an example of our purpose by reaching out to collaborate with all organizations and to members of the community to create programs. Examples of these projects include but are not limited to, informational panels, school-collaborative events, advocacy programs and community-oriented projects.
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VENCER CRISOSTOMO ROSE-ANN UBARRA-CUNANAN CALVIN KEEN
17 EFREN PENAFLORIDA 18“ELEMENTS OF HEROISM” JOSE ANTONIO VARGAS 23 VALERIE FRANCISCO 24 NATALIE COUGHLIN
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DANICA MAGPANTAY CHAT ALMARVEZ CHARO RONQUILLO “EXCEPTIONAL BEAUTIES”
25 TAMARA SUGUITAN 27 FROILAN MALIT, JR. MARK WOLFISZ D-PRYDE 28 29
BRUNO MARS JASON DAY CHARICE PEMPENGCO NONITO DONAIRE, JR. ANGEL LOCSIN
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Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Associate Editor Acquisitions Editor Art Director Contributing Writers
Ivan Gonzales Emily Lirag Sabrina Echaluce Randy Gonzales Rexon Arquiza Vince Golongco Daphne Gonzales Kirklyn Escondo Steven Raga Bryan Lozano Chris Unera Rachelle Peraz
A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR GREETINGS ALL!
It is said that the revolution that brought independence to the Philippines was spurred by the Katipunan through the printing press. Even after the self-determination of the country was established, the press would continue to preserve the spirit and promulgate the ideals of the heroes who fought and often paid with their lives to free the country from foreign oppression. So when UniPro decided to put together a magazine, we anticipated that the greatest challenge would be meeting the standards of our revolutionary predecessors and providing a product that would not only interest our readers but also inspire them. Almost naturally, we began to focus our attention on the individuals whose resolute will and indomitable spirit have come to resemble those of the great men and women of Philippine history in order to �ill the pages of our magazine. The concept of our “Top 30 Under 30” list calls attention to the various young men and women who positively contribute to their communities and to their respective �ields—often garnering acclaim not only within the Filipino community but also throughout the world at large. The singular lives of these individuals move at a pace so dizzying that conglomerating their experiences together into one publication was as daunting as it was stimulating.
Most of these individuals will come to de�ine our generation of Filipinos, but it is each our individual duty to perpetuate the ideals that brought our nation into existence as well as to commemorate the freedom that we are all lucky to have been born into. Although we will all begin or have already begun to work in a very complicated and dangerous world, I am con�ident that each Filipino has the motivation and ability to correct the problems of the legacy left to us by the previous generation. Our generation has matured to have surprisingly strong faith in our country and countrymen. What's more, our generation also possesses the instincts and drive to excel and succeed not only individually but also collaboratively and as part of a community. Without question, there will be readers who may object to UniPro’s selections as only re�lective of the organization’s preference; however dif�icult it is to conclude that each individual ought to be included in our list, to put it simply, UniPro will continue to recognize as many agents of transformation and progress as there are Filipinos in this world. As we continue to ride down our own personal roads, we will �ind that we are all able to stand upon the same summit as any of the remarkable personalities of UniPro’s list—or rise even higher. Let us not stray or falter in our journey. Rest assured knowing that UniPro will be there to help facilitate success in your endeavors. All the best my dear colleagues, all the best! Ivan Gonzales
Editor-In-Chief, UniPro Magazine Director, Department of Public Policy and Foreign Relations Pilipino Unity for Progress (UniPro)
Dear UniPro Magazine readers:
Welcome and thank you for supporting Pilipino American Unity for Progress (UniPro)’s �irst magazine. This publication brings together the voices of young Filipino leaders from all over the world and shines much-needed light on their visions, achievements and goals. Appropriately, this issue is released on the same date as our �irst multinational Summit for Filipino young professionals, students and youth. With the theme of “Building Bridges: Locally, Regionally & Globally”, this magazine accomplishes precisely that. The Filipino community may be separated geographically, but we �ind that each sub-community faces relatable issues and concerns. This magazine affords the younger generation a space to exchange ideas, and organize a global network promoting international collaboration amongst Filipino young adults. As in our community, we hope that pages unread builds on pages turned. We invite you to take in the following sections with an open mind and appreciate the diverse range in background within the contributors, and those being featured. As we look forward to future editions of the magazine, we also look forward to your interest, your support, and hopefully your participation. Sincerely,
Steven B. Raga, MPP Pilipino American Unity for Progress (UniPro); Executive Director
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UNIPRO’S TOP 30 UNDER 30..
The Vanguards of Philippine Progress - Ivan Gonzales
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Our “Top 30 Under 30” list calls attention to the various young men and women who positively contribute to their communities and to their respective �ieldsoften garnering acclaim not only within the Filipino community but also throughout the world at large..
“Surround yourself with like-minded individuals. Find them. In your schools, churches, communities, online. Keep moving forward and upward. Have faith. Pray together. The rest will come naturally. For as long as the cause is good, and the discipline and dedication are there, it will �ind its way.”
SARAH MEIER
FILIPINA
by Daphne Gonzales & Sabrina Echaluce
success of Miss Universe contestant Venus Raj and the triumph of Danica Magpantay as 2011 Ford Supermodel of the Year as the signal for a renewed appreciation for the natural brown complexion of the morena Filipina and anticipates a future where Filipinas of all types will penetrate globally and progress to mainstream media.
According to Meier, Filipinos are continually making their mark in international fashion and entertainment industries: “I think that our talent cannot be suppressed, and it was only a matter of time before Filipinos started to directly in�luence the global landscape of entertainment and fashion. I’d say the music industry is where we’ve seen the most success so far, but things like Hollywood and the fashion world are steeped with Filipino talent.” When asked what Filipinos bring to the table that is so unique, she says, “It seems creativity is inherent, and as a people, we’re almost genetically predisposed to a love for performing.”
SARAH MEIER is not your average model. She has ideas and opinions that explode across the media as she also stands as former VJ for MTV Philippines, radio personality, and television host and writer. Meier, the beauty of Filipino, Swiss and Chinese descent, began her career modeling at the age of �ive. She later gained prominence in the public eye as a VJ for MTV Philippines and then as a radio personality on the U92’s weekly program ‘Dollhouse’. She currently hosts Philippine Fashion Week and promotes social activism among Filipinos. Meier also has a new television show debuting this summer on Studio 23, aptly called ‘Supermodel.’
As Meier demonstrates personally, the ability of someone in the entertainment industry to affect social change in the Philippines should be embraced alongside the glamorous upside of fame. “I feel like I am in a position to make social responsibility cool,” claimed Meier, “I would like for every young Filipino individual to understand what our country is dealing with historically, but with a fresh perspective and mindset moving forward. Coming from a generation that didn’t experience things like Martial Law [under President Ferdinand Marcos] �irst hand, and living in a day and age where the internet has given us a new type of power and access, I feel that we are able to see past the daunting cloak of corruption, of poverty, of pollution – and implement ideas and visions that will affect change.”
When she Tweeted against the beauty-conscious culture de�ined by mass media and the cosmetics industry and appealed to her twitter followers to bring an end to the use of whitening products, Meier stood at the forefront of the return to the delineation of the natural Filipina beauty. “I feel like I'm �ighting a battle against these massive cosmetic companies that advertise whitening creams with no panache whatsoever,” says Meier, “but with little comments on Twitter about Filipinos needing to love their skin color, I've made national news and hopefully triggered a young woman out there somewhere to think twice about equating looking Caucasian to being the only de�inition of beauty.”
For Meier, the massive advertising campaigns for whitening products that the media and cosmetics industry initiated throughout the country over the years has had ill effects on the concept of “beauty” and “sophistication” among Filipinos. She cites the recent
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“It seems creativity is inherent, and as a people, we’re almost genetically predisposed to a love for performing.”
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THE FORMER MODEL turned social activist describes her style as in�luenced by Philippine tribal culture, minimalist Japanese aesthetic, hip-hop, and bohemian ease. From her work in the fashion industry to her participation in social networking and blogging services such as Twitter and Tumblr, Meier has made use of numerous avenues to express her opinions and personal style. Her own transition from modeling to other roles followed a particular logic: “Over the years, being 'mute' as a posing mannequin �inally took its toll, and I came stomping onto hosting, writing, and social change scenes with a vengeance,” she stated, “Repression of expression doesn’t sit well with me, apparently.” Sarah Meier is certainly doing her part in affecting change through her involvement with “Project Heal Manila,” a global organization that supports community-based projects for youths in the Philippines, and “Manila Minds,” a movement that strives to connect in�luential �igures from the media, the arts, government and business for the purpose of discussing the direction of social progress. As for advice on how others might follow her lead, Meier recommends, “Surround yourself with like-minded individuals. Find them. In your schools, churches, communities, online. Keep moving forward and upward. Have faith. Pray together. The rest will come naturally. For as long as the cause is good, and the discipline and dedication are there, it will �ind its way.”
Sarah Meier sarahmeieronline.com 7
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CHERYL BURKE
CHERYL BURKE IS a professional dancer, Emmy-nominated choreographer, and book author who has become a household name through the hit ABC show Dancing with the Stars. Burke, who is of Irish, Russian, and Filipino descent, began taking ballet lessons at the age of four, and began competing worldwide in ballroom dancing competitions at the age of 13. Now, at only 26 years of age, Burke boasts more than 18 years of dance experience and several championship wins around the world.
strictlycheryl.com
Her captivating choreography in Dancing with the Stars has earned her two Emmy nominations in 2006, and on October 2007, she was given the Role Model Award at the 7th Annual Filipino/American Library Gala. Her newly published memoir, Dancing Lessons, is an autobiographical narrative on empowerment through dance.
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ALEXANDER CENA
A COMMUNITY ORGANIZER AND ARTIST, Alexander Cena has spent 13 years working with various Filipino American and Asian American organizations. While studying at Virginia Commonwealth University, he served as president for the Filipino American Coming Together (FACT) and the Asian Student Caucus (ASC). From 2003-2004, he served as a National Director for the Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue (FIND). He is the co-founder of the Filipino Americans Creating A Dynamic Environment (FACADE) in Virginia Beach and Sulu DC: Asian American/Paci�ic Islander Artists Showcase. In 2009, he received the Community Hilot Award in Virginia Beach. Alex Cena is currently working as the Secondary School Programs Coordinator and DC Mentoring Coordinator at Asian American LEAD in Washington, DC.
HANNAH VILLASIS
MICHAEL PANA
KNOWN AS “PUNONG GURO” TO HIS DISCIPLES, Michael Pana has dedicated over ten years of his life to studying and teaching the Filipino warrior arts as the founder and chief instructor of the Bayani Warrior Group. “I am constantly learning new things and I’m hungry to learn even more,” says the 25-year-old New Jersey native on his website, Bayaniwarrior.com. Committed to the education of the Filipino warrior arts, Pana places equal emphasis on the training of a strong spirit and a clear mind—attributes requisite for a martial arts that emerged from the need for self-preservation. What distinguishes Pana from other Filipino martial artists are his efforts to connect to a new generation: Public speaking events at various universities, outreach to visually challenged teens through New Jersey Foundation for the Blind, and his emphasis on faith’s in�luence on warrior culture. He is currently working on writing his �irst book, which discusses the interplay of faith and martial arts.
HANNAH VILLASIS' MIDDLE NAME IS "ADVENTURE." Though a self proclaimed geek and Certi�ied Public Accountant, she often manipulates time and space to �it in crazy escapades like sur�ing, skating, cheerleading, karting and pole dancing. Tagged as a Social Media Princess with so many new experiences and discoveries, it's no wonder that Hannah (or FlairCandy, as the blogosphere knows her), is one of Asia's top photographic and personal bloggers. Hannah has been featured in Chalk Magazine as one of the "10 Bright Young Manila" and Meg Magazine's "Young Achievers." Hannah is also an advocate for women rights and environmental causes with blogging as her main tool. Hannah also hosts events and a TV Show "Tek Tok TV" of the Global News Network's Buisness Portal and a writes as a sports contributor for Technorati.com.
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FOR KARLA GARCIA, dancing is life. Even from her picture, she stares at you like a dance partner, using her eyes to seek a deep, emotional connection, body slightly tilted as if to ask, “Are you ready for me?” The weak will fold under the �iery talent that Garcia merely exudes, although hardly anyone can say they can catch up. During Garcia’s senior year at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts (where she had studied dance and minored in journalism, on scholarship no-less) she became the youngest cast member of what would be her �irst Broadway role in the musical Hot Feet. Since then, she went to perform in the national tour of Wicked, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and the Broadway revival of West Side Story. Garcia spent the previous summer touring Australia and France’s Paris as the only female soloist among twelve males for the show Rock the Ballet. As talented as she is, the Brooklyn-native would make it as one of the
KARLA GARCIA
�inal seven females on the �ifth season of FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance.
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Who could have guessed that before the accolades and Broadway performances that Karla Garcia had began her dance training by learning traditional Philippine folk dances with the Washington, D.C. troupe, Philippine American Cultural Arts Society (PACAS). And up until now, Garcia remains down-to-earth and �inds the time during her busy schedule to perform and share her thoughts at events facilitated by students and Asian American organizations. When she isn’t winning awards for her stunning original choreography, one can �ind her performing with the Boogie Bots Crew (from MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew) or inspiring young Filipinos to take on a career in the performing arts during one of her classes.
VINCE GOLANGCO
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by Vince Golangco
Run like Forest or skate like Hawk - around the Fort
“WHEN IN ROME…” as the old saying goes, “do as the Romans do.” On the other hand, beginning that statement with “When in Manila” may not turn out to be as simple as the original.
Discovering the Philippine capital city of Manila is a bit more complicated than most other places. There’s so much diversity with its culture, tastes, preferences and choices—a city usually gains fame for having an ultimate “must-do” itinerary or for having a very unique special treat. Not Manila. Here there are just too many cool places to see and too many different, new experiences one can enjoy. I moved to the Philippines from San Diego about two years ago and I’ve been doing my best to �ind the best escapades from the metro. My research is far from over, but for now, here’s a list of my favorite things to do “When In Manila.” Be an artsy-fartsy - Cubao X and The Collective
These two places, Cubao X and The Collective, are the “capitals” within the capital. They are the centers for the artsy-fartsy and any who dare to open their minds. This hub for creativity includes everything for your inner artist like photography, paintings, poetry, music, arts & crafts and more. Shops in these places boast the most eye-catching wonders while the nightlife brags the most casual and friendly crowds. With art galleries, movie theaters, bars and more, Cubao X and The Collective are unique hotspots that combine all these different elements to help you unleash your creative juices. Open to any and all with an open mind.
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With well lit grounds, city security and a global trend towards �itness, taking a jog around the beautiful Fort Bonifacio is one favorite that many people are running with. You can join a cause, run for yourself or run with a team; every week, there seems to be some sort of organized run that you can participate in. If running’s not for you, there’s also a small subculture of skaters that cruise along the city nights. I learned how to use a longboard skateboard myself and let me tell you, it’s a very addictive hobby, especially when you’re cruising down the quiet streets, away from the normal hustle and bustle of places like EDSA. You’ll sense your worries just ride away as your soul may also seem to relax a bit more when getting some personal time to run or skate around here. So whether you want to run like Forrest Gump or learn to skate like Tony Hawk, coming to the Fort is a safe and peaceful alternative for you. Adventure eating – Discover new Tastes around Manila Find Food Treasures—Around every corner is a new hole in the wall just waiting to be discovered. The hidden foodie spots never seem to run out in Manila as Filipinos are known for having a very intense affair with food. Top foodie places that have survived through many years along with brand new yummy restaurants are always there for you to try. Have your taste buds on an adventure of their own! Try some authentic Turkish Shawarma at Jacob’s Shawarma right by Robinson’s Galleria; try yummy Indian Food in Manila at New Bombay; or if you want to get some yummy local �lavor, check out Ibayo Restaurant by the Mall of Asia. Oh, and one of my new favorite restaurants is called Bordeaux French Wine Bar at the Fort Bonifacio Global City.
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Get lost in a desert of dessert – Creative sweets in Manila You’ve tried those little sticky rice cakes called “Mochi balls” before right? Well, you’ve probably never tasted them like this: At the Dezato Café in New Manila, there are these Mochi balls �illed with all sorts of yummy stuff like white chocolate, green tea pudding, peanut butter or ice cream! Dezato Café serves these as their specialty and while I do highly recommend you try these, I also warn you that they are so highly addictive that you may start craving them and keep coming back for them very often. You’ve been warned. Another unique place you should try specializes in one of my favorite fruits: the avocado. I love avocados! They seem to go with everything from shakes, sandwiches, tacos and more! So hearing that Avocado Cakes exist made me realize that this may be the greatest invention ever, next to socks of course. Lia’s Cakes in Season is one place to de�initely get your sweet tooth satis�ied. Aside from the Avocado Cakes, they also have a plethora of goodies and treats that’ll make you keep wanting to come back for more.
Go take a hike! – Take a walking tour around Manila Find out everything you need to know about Manila and more! Why not re-discover this city through the very unique eyes of travel guides like Carlos Celdran and Ivan Man Dy. They’re well known local tour guides who have been showing tourists, and locals, the Manila one would never know was there. Carlos Celdran’s “Walk This Way” tour has continuously received rave reviews from those daring enough to explore Intramuros with him. On the other hand, Ivan Man Dy’s Binondo food tours will help you �ind the best food places around Manila’s China Town that’ll satiate your Chinese food cravings. Freestyle in the Park - Parkour running in Luneta
“The world is your playground!” No other sport encompasses the previous statement more than Parkour. It’s known as a discipline that challenges you to get from Point A to Point B in the most ef�icient and fastest way possible. This means running, jumping, climbing and pretty much using your environment for what it is. You may have seen Parkour specialists in top Hollywood movies without even knowing it. They’re like Spiderman without the super powers, yet still able to scale buildings and seemingly glide through places. There are now local specialists who practice this in the Philippines. These Parkour Specialists even have Parkour sessions on weekends at the parks like Luneta
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where they get to use the entire park as their playground. Join them and you too may enjoy the Philippine parks more than you may have thought possible. The life of the night – the Manila Nightlife
Be One with the Night – The Manila Nightlife is hustling and bustling like never before! With giant Vegas type bars and clubs around every corner. This is the time to indulge your inner insomniac and dance the night away. Check out the new club called Republiq at Resorts World Manila. You’ll very likely run into lots of celebrities there while at the same time carving out some stories you’ll be telling your friends over and over again. There are also lines of bars and clubs along the Fort Strip, in Greenbelt in Makati, along Tomas Morato and Timog in Quezon Avenue, and, the backpacker favorite, Malate. Movie and a massage … at the same time! - BlueWater Day Spa
On top of my list for my favorite things in this world include movies and massages. I mean, when else can you imagine being a wizard, a warrior or a superhero? Within the doors of the movie theaters, anything seems to be possible. Massages on the other hand need no explanation. A great massage can calm down stress from the devil himself! So why is it just now that someone �inally tried combining the two? The BlueWater Day Spa is known for their movie theater massage room. Here, you can get a full body massage and relax in their custom built lazy boy chairs while watching your favorite movies in HD! It’s a combination of awesomeness that’ll soon be as famous as peanut butter and jelly.
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Take it to the streets - street food I’m a �irm believer of the idea that you can’t get any more authentic than street food. You need to try all the crazy concoctions from the streets of Manila. Try the best that the Manila streets have to offer like �ish balls (fried �ish �lavor �lour mix), betamax (cooked pigs blood shaped into cubes), isaw (chicken or pig intestines), day-old (day old chick), taho (soy milk), balut (fertilized duck embryo) and more! Though these may not sound like the most appetizing delights, I assure you that if you really want to immerse yourself into a culture, you really have to do what the locals do. In this case, you may realize how tasty street food can really be. Eye-candy for everyone – Prettify yourself
The beautiful people of Manila just keep getting prettier, and you can do so as well. Dollar for dollar, Manila offers the best services for the most affordable prices. Now’s the time to get that makeover you truly deserve. Some of my favorite picks are Vivere Salon for your hair, Nail-A-Holics Salon for your nails, feet and hands (my feet really needed that makeover) and Aesthetic Science for facials and everything else from holistic beautifying services to cosmetic surgery. Manila is slowly taking the crown of being the most affordable and best place for medical and cosmetic tourism, so why not get your face, body, and hair on that same beautiful bandwagon? Lean on me- Volunteer to help
When it comes down to it, there’s still so many things that Manila and the Philippines needs help with. Why not volunteer some of your time to help out those less fortunate than you. Not only will you help others out, but you’ll also surely realize how blessed you really are. This is something you can de�initely do by yourself, with friends or with family. Lend a helping hand to Gawad Kalinga to build new communities and empower the Filipinos who may have never found a way out of the slums without their help. Also, check out the Buhay Ko project as this group teaches kids from Smokey Mountain how to make their voices heard through the power of the internet and social media. In the end, you’ll realize that this world we live in has a funny way of thanking you for helping others. After all, what comes around, goes around, ten fold.
So next time, “When in Manila,” you need to do as the “Manilanians” do! Be sure to try out my this guide and you’re sure to fully blend in and fully experience Manila like no one else can.
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Vince Golangco wheninmanila.com
Vince Golangco graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in Communication, Advertising and a minor in Business. Vince's travels around the world eventually led him to the Philippines where he fell in love with the culture, the people and the lifestyle (though he still constantly complains about the weather and the traf�ic). He wanted to share his adventures with his friends around the world, which led t o the creation of WhenInManila.com, now one of the top online sites in the Philippines. Vince is also a radio DJ for Mellow 94.7 (http://Mellow947.fm) and can be heard M-F 6am-10am on The Wake Up Show (http://Facebook.com/TheWakeUpShow), the happiest place on radio. Moreover, Vince is an events and TV show host, with one of his TV shows being Tek Tok TV (http://TekTokTV.com) on the Global News Network. Vince is a surfer, a skater, a writer and an adventure seeker. He also claims to be a ninja, but no sightings of this claim have been reported... You can �ind out more about Vince and connect with him on http://Twitter.com/VinceGolangco
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RUBY VERIDIANO KNOWS HOW TO STAND OUT. It’s her exciting and attractive qualities that contributed her moniker as “glamour girl,” but what is most appealing is her passion for creating positive social change through her involvement in youth empowerment and non-pro�it work. As a writer, speaker, and media personality, Veridiano has become more of an advocate and voice for Asian American throughout the world. In 2010, she launched her writing empowerment program, aptly called “Glamourbaby Diaries,” which focuses on Asian women’s history and incorporates elements of fashion. Veridiano recently facilitated an international colloquium called “Meeting of the Minds-Manila” that brought together various individuals involved in politics, education, the arts, music, and entertainment from Manila and the US to discuss the future of the global Filipino community. She joins UniPro for the 2011 Summit to reproduce her Meeting of the Minds structure to include Summit delegates from New York City as well groups from Melbourne, Australia.
RUBY VERIDIANO
AS THE PROJECT DIRECTOR AND FOUNDING MEMBER of the Filipino American online community BakitWhy.com, Kaywan Shiraz is helping a new generation of techsavvy Filipino-Americans �ind a place to call their own in the Internet. Of Persian and Filipino descent, Shiraz moved from Washington D.C. to California where he became involved with the Filipino community. He was able to conglomerate his interest in media and passion for helping the Fil-Am community when he started BakitWhy.com with founder and former director Jeremiah Abraham. Now, as a major Internet source for Fil-Am news and other forms of social media, BakitWhy.com is connecting various Filipino groups in America and abroad to form one large online Filipino community. Shiraz provides a unique perspective on many Filipino and Filipino American issueswith humor and a heightened sense of identity he seems to the spin culture-conscious Filipino-American community on its head through his witty yet thought-provoking articles. Shiraz directs BakitWhy.com into its third year and he helps the website evolve alongside the ever-changing Filipino-American community.
KAYWAN SHIRAZ
ANA ‘THE HURRICANE’ JULATON is a Bantamweight boxer who has broken new ground for Filipinas in the sport of boxing. She is the �irst ever Filipina to win the International Boxing Association World Title, and in December 2009, became the �irst ever female �ighter to win the World Boxing Organization World Title. She was voted as one of the 100 Most In�luential Filipinas in 2009, and is the �irst female boxer to be represented by the TOPPS Trading Card organization, the leading sports trading card manufacturer in the world. She has trained under the guidance of Angelo Reyes of West Wind Martial Arts Schools and Freddie Roach, trainer to world champion boxers Manny Pacquiao and Oscar de la Hoya.
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ESPERANZA GARCIA
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ESPERANZA GARCIA IS ONE OF THE FOREMOST young professionals in the area of environment, development of renewable energy, and the prevention of climate change in the world. Garcia established and now directs the Climate Change Initiatives for the International Youth Council (IYC). Through her efforts in the IYC, Garcia has developed educational resources and has initiated various leadership opportunities for increasing climate change awareness. Governmental organizations such as the Philippine Senate Oversight Climate Change Committee have even sought out her expertise as a consultant and she is often tapped as the Philippines’ of�icial delegate and negotiator for various international conferences focusing on climate change. Garcia initiated the Philippine Youth Climate Movement, which engages students throughout the Philippines in climate change awareness and pays tribute to speci�ic individuals who have signi�icantly contributed to climate change solutions by recognizing them as “Climate Heroes.” Together with the International Youth Climate Movement, she is encouraging youths throughout the world to participate in the climate change policy decision process. INTERESTED IN HELPING ESPERANZA GARCIA AND THE PHILIPPINE YOUTH CLIMATE MOVEMENT FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE?
The Philippine Youth Delegation is now on its 3rd year in facilitating Filipino Delegates to the Climate Change Negotiations. They are now preparing for the upcoming 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the Climate Change Convention and the 7th meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol, the Philippine Youth Delegation is in need of passionate young individuals who will take part in this event. The conference will be from November 28 to December 9, 2011 in Durban, South Africa. Applications are accepted until July 3, 2011 only! Please spread the word to your networks and whoever may be interested.
For more information visit the Philippine Youth Climate Movement at http://philycm.wordpress.com/.
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VENCER CRISOSTOMO
IT ALL STARTED IN HIGH SCHOOL, where a young Vencer Crisostomo led hundreds of his schoolmates to walkout and protest against thenPresident, Joseph Estrada. It started him down the decade-long path of �ighting against political corruption and being a strong unifying voice for the voiceless. Today, Vencer is undoubtedly one of the brightest young talents in this generation of young Filipino leaders. He can usually be seen smack-dab in the middle of vital issues affecting Filipino youth, most particularly on concerns that directly impact the most oppressed and marginalized sectors of Philippine society.
Recently, he has been elected the National Chairman of Anakbayan, the largest progressive youth organization in the Philippines. The choice was obvious with his previous roles within the youth and student movement in the Philippines; which include serving as the National Secretary-General for Kabataan Partylist and the National Chairman of the League of Filipino Students- who also have university chapters in the United States. Vencer has also proved himself a proli�ic writer and blogger. With his regular contributions to Phil. Online Chronicles on top of his maintaining his popular blog (vencercrisostomo.com), �inding the newest issue he is advocating for would not at all be a dif�icult task. Vencer Crisostomo's story as a youth and student leader serves and inspiration and model for the next generation of Filipino leaders interested in serving the community.
ROSE-ANN UBARRA-CUNANAN ROSE-ANN UBARRA-CUNANAN IS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR for the Filipino American Human Services, Inc. (FAHSI). Rose has been dedicated to working with the Filipino American community since 1999 though her volunteer efforts with FAHSI’s youth program. As FAHSI’s director, Ubarra-Cunanan helps in the development young Filipino America leaders through the provision of workshops and other activities. Ubarra-Cunanan has been instrumental in expanding FAHSI’s services to include the training of New York City’s public school children.
Apart from her work in FAHSI, U b a r r a Cunanan also serves as a board member of the Metro New York Chapter of the Filipino American National Historical Society as well as a part of the advisory board of the Academy of Finance and Enterprise. She supplements her community involvement by speaking at various Filipino American conferences and promotes volunteerism among young Filipino Americans. In 2008 she was honored by the Filipina Women’s Network as one of the 100 of the Most In�luential Filipina women in the United States.
CALVIN KEEN
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AS AN UNDERGRADUATE, Calvin Keen made the risky choice of putting his education at the prestigious Georgetown University on hold to move to to the Philippines to work with the Philippine-based community development organization Gawad Kalinga after a brief meeting with its founder Tony Moleto. During his time in the Philippines, the San Francisco Bay Area-native began develop his skill as a classically trained tenor and incorporated music into his GK advocacy. Following a year of study at Ateneo de Manila University, Keen would return to Georgetown to complete his education. After graduating, Keen returned to Manila to experiment on social entrepreneurship and various business techniques aimed at developing world-class. Keen has been developing a sustainable business model that is supported by Philippine-brand products support the domestic economy. In addition to running this business venture, he has also entered a career in modeling and singing.
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EFREN PENAFLORIDA
ELEMENTS OF
HEROISM
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by Ivan Gonzales & Sabrina Echaluce
interviews: on TV, on radio, and on the Internet. But, what matters to me is the af�irmation it gave my co-volunteers that what we have been doing all along is a worthy cause.”
IN A LARGE BALLROOM at the Monte Carlo Hotel in Las Vegas, Efren Pena�lorida, the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year, slips away from his table and moves politely past a crowd of well-dressed guests to where a couple of his friends from UniPro are sitting down. Alongside Pena�lorida’s long-time friend Kuya Bonn—the man who Pena�lorida calls KB and venerably refers to as his mentor; the man who introduced Pena�lorida to volunteerism and who had discouraged the hero from joining a gang to get revenge on his enemies—the group would share a lighthearted conversation about Facebook and pose for a few pictures before Pena�lorida and KB politely excuse themselves to return to their table. Did that just happen? How could it be that Efren Pena�lorida, the 30-year-old teacher and social worker from Cavite City, world-renowned hero for his pushcart classroom service the Dynamic Teen Company which he founded when he was only 16-years-old, be so unassuming? It’s not a daily occurrence that a celebrity goes out of his way to �ind you just to have small talk. Is it possible that Pena�lorida didn’t realize that he himself was famous? But it did just happen, and despite being a “renowned” guest at that night’s event, Pena�lorida would not display an ounce of pretense.
When I asked him how he has changed since he was named CNN’s Hero of the Year, he replied, “My life, well, became busier with more talks and engagements with other advocates working towards change. I have a lot of
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Pena�lorida would often have to remind people that the “hero” label is what the media has spun him out to be. “Everyone I meet addresses me as a hero, but I would say that the true heroes here are the people I represent,” he says. “[The true heroes] are the children who are now determined to learn, the volunteers who have unwaveringly dedicated their services for free, the sel�less Filipino educators who teach beyond their call of duty, and every Filipino who makes a difference in the simplest of ways. They are the heroes I proudly represent.” He delves deeper into the de�inition of the word “hero,” distinguishing heroism as a culture not limited to a certain nationality or age group—that heroism is inherent in one’s heart, unrelated to one’s social strati�ication: “One is never too ordinary to be a hero. I tell [everyone] to always act to serve each person in need of help and to make a difference in someone else’s life. People must always work together as one because a person can’t do things on his own.” He then reiterates a phrase I �irst heard him say during the award ceremony of CNN Heroes, “We are one great tapestry.”
Staying true to his roots, Pena�lorida would rather direct the credit to those he is working with and working for. In that way, Pena�lorida truly embodies an underemphasized attribute of a genuine hero: humility.
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THAT NIGHT, Pena�lorida was celebrating with Gawad Kalinga at the Annual GK Hope Ball charity event for the completion of GK’s �irst Hope Village located in Bagong Silang, Metro-Manila. Wearing a blazer over a white button-down shirt with no tie, Pena�lorida looked fresh and happy despite his long �light from Manila and having participated in a day-long conference with the We Are One Filipino organization. Nevertheless, one could sense that he had plenty on his mind, as is often the case with the sel�less and driven. Pena�lorida would leave the Philippines while the construction of DTC’s new learning center was still taking place. A portion of the grant that Pena�lorida and DTC won from CNN went to the purchase of a 291square-meter lot for the development for the learning center—the rest of the money was donated to a local church and also towards the establishment of scholarship funds for some children taught by DTC. According to an article by the Philippine daily business paper BusinessMirror, the original amount of $125,000 won by Pena�lorida was reduced to $80,000 after taxes, with several donors reneging on their initial pledges (Pena�lorida refused to name the companies and donors that failed to follow through on their pledges). While the building was scheduled for its grand opening last summer, up til now Pena�lorida often make trips abroad in order to raise money for the �inal leg of the site’s construction. Still, he remains positive.
“We dream really BIG!” Pena�lorida exclaims, referring not only to the construction of the learning center, but to a greater welfare beyond that of a physical building. “We dream of becoming trendsetters in bringing forth change in the world through simple solutions. Our mid-size dream is to be able to build our own educational center and haven for children to be rehabilitated and reformed. And, through CNN’s grant, we were able to buy land where we built that dream: a learning center. We called it “Kalingain Batang Mahirap Founda-
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tional Center” (Care for Poor Children Foundational Center) where children will experience having a place to exercise their rights freely and learn life-changing principles.”
The construction of the learning center is not a departure from DTC’s Kariton system that helped expand education to Cavite’s street-children—the building itself is being constructed to resemble Pena�lorida’s trademark pushcart—rather, the learning center is to be a lasting and constructive development in Pena�lorida’s goal to improve the welfare of impoverished students. Pena�lorida intends for the learning center to serve as a school, a halfway house, research library, and after-school activity center for children and teens to go to as an alternative to engaging in gang and criminal activity in the streets of Cavite city. Pena�lorida encourages Philippines political leaders to act similarly. ”Our government must invest in the welfare of each Filipino child. We must love and guide our children well,” he says, “because if we will, we’ll have a better breed for the next generation, more decent leaders, lesser corrupt individuals and more peace-loving citizens. Maybe then the Philippines will be great again!” Pena�lorida speaks candidly as someone who truly understands the needs of Philippines’ children, not only as an educator and social worker, but as someone who grew up in the same urban slum. Pena�lorida’s childhood home once sat in the shadow of an open dump site in Cavite City. Bullying was prevalent as children didn’t have many alternatives to amuse themselves besides playing with garbage or wading the in the polluted waters that meet the bay. He would later receive the idea to recreate school settings in slums, cemeteries, in garbage heaps—areas where he knew the city’s children and gang members would assemble based on his experience growing up. Pena�lorida would remark how different things could have been for him: “I almost quit school and gave up everything just to get even with my enemies…”
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HIS PARENTS, mother Lucilia Geronimo and tricycle-driver father Efren Pena�lorida Sr., did what they could to provide for their children, but their middle child, Efren, would support his own education through scholarships and �inancial aid from Club 8586, Inc. where he attended their extension classes. There he would also �ind the life-changing support that many other street-children would �ind un�illed during their lifetime: Kuya Bonn. ”He became my mentor and made me realize that I do not have to destroy my future to escape problems,” says Pena�lorida. Through programs KB started in their community, such as outreach programs to prison-inmates and efforts to improve literacy among street children, Pena�lorida would �ind his love with volunteerism. “[KB] discouraged me from getting back at bullies by doing something positive,” Pena�lordia says. “Instead of joining another gang to get revenge, I created my own group and turned things around.”
top, for Pena�lorida—the precursor to DTC’s current pushcart—but the tires would often go �lat due to the weight of the equipment and materials. The idea of using pushcarts was suggested by Em Bagual, a co-volunteer of Club 8586 and M.Y. Rights, an organization that works on children’s rights issues with DTC. After an unfortunate accident in which the Club 8586’s building burned down in 2003, Pena�lorida would pick up the remaining pushcarts to expand DTC’s outreach efforts.
Out of the ashes of the building that once provided him with unmatched support since he was a child, Pena�lorida would push the carts to help educate Cavite’s children. He would continue to push past the jeers and discouraging remarks of the communitygrowing up in an impoverished community, people often view acts of benevolence with skepticism. “Before, people were skeptical about the idea and would want us to discontinue since they thought it was just a waste of time” he says. “We were ridiculed and laughed at whenever we were on the street pushing the pushcart schools not really knowing what awaits us in our destination.” It’s human nature to doubt, but surely no one wants to remain destitute—perhaps, they just did not want to see young Pena�lorida fail. This event calls attention to a peculiar characteristic of our culture: Filipinos are resentful based on circumstance and not by nature. Pena�lorida presents his opinion towards the treatment this underlying foible among Filipinos: “Students' nourishment in all aspects of life, teachers' welfare, bringing back good morals and values, and an effective system of learning adaptable to a community's own culture that will ensure all students' potential are not being compromised and that the love of learning is instilled in each one.” Many of Pena�lorida’s dissenters have been compromised since their childhood, leaving them embittered to propitious acts of charity in their adulthood.
And with that, at the age of 16-years-old, the Dynamic Teen Company was born.
Pena�lorida would recount how DTC found its start, “Street education existed in Cavite even before DTC was established.” His mentor, KB conducted his outreach programs in various places: out the back of a jeepney, in a garage, on the stairs of a local school. “By the time that I got involved with KB’s street literacy program, we only used plastic bags to carry our things. We later used camping bags and backpacks to make things easier for us. When the outreach grew in numbers, new services were offered like the health clinic and hygiene program.” KB would purchase a pedicab, a bicycle that pulls a cart on its tail-end and has built-in compartment on
Pena�lorida would lead DTC past bitter taunts and provocations, after all, it wasn’t for them they were doing all this for—it was for the children. The community slowly began to change and by 2005 Cavite City would be declared child-friendly. This triumph was mostly attributed to the conscious efforts of DTC, whose steadfast and resolute undertakings in educating and mentoring dropouts, addicts, and former gangmembers helped reduce child-related crimes and gang violence.
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PENAFLORIDA NOTES that the conversion towards supporting DTC’s efforts did not only occur in his community, but a transformation had occurred throughout several other communities throughout the Philippines towards the education of street children. “Now, people have become more aware of the need for these children to be educated, fed and taken care of” he says. “There were groups of people from other parts of the province and the country who would join us and immerse themselves to observe and learn about our system so that they could replicate the same concept in their own communities and be able to reach more poor kids across the region.”
More than a local celebrity, Pena�lorida would become an archetype of sorts to the modern education of street children. With extra support they were able to gain more resources—more resources meant they could help more children. DTC was rapidly gaining enough momentum to allow them to evolve faster than ever. “Like the evolution and progress of our tools of service from bags to the Kariton, our approaches, programs and curricula evolves and will keep on progressing,” Pena�lorida recounts as I ask him what has changed, “our approaches, programs and curricula evolves and will keep on progressing.” This surge in DTC’s popularity did not prevent Pena�lorida from remaining true to himself. When I asked him what advice he would offer a younger version of himself, he said, “Change starts from within. It doesn’t have to be big or glamorous. It doesn’t have to be published. Even the smallest and simplest things we do to make things better are a start of greater things.” Conscious of his role in life more than ever, he heralds his vision for the future: “Our actions today will de�ine the outcomes of tomorrow,” he says, “the responsibility we choose to take now will add one more spark, one more light, one more �lame, or one more beacon of hope that would light an entire sea of desperation. Let us all work together to create a brighter tomorrow not only for ourselves, but for all the peoples of the world who are awaiting to hope once more and dream again.” What would happen next would propel Pena�lorida from being a local hero to a global icon of altruism and goodwill. The Dynamic Teen Company’s activities had been documented and uploaded to YouTube where it caught the attention of people around the world,
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including a staff member from Oprah’s Angel Network and a staff member from CNN, who informed DTC members about the CNN Hero of the Year nomination process. The rest, they say, is history.
As for Pena�lorida, the new celebrity would keep him busy with speaking engagements, publicity tours, as well as activities to expand his organization. He would often update his Twitter account, posting brief descriptions of his trips to Indonesia and Singapore while also reporting on the growing number of children being served in communities around Cavite City. Around the world, organizations would begin to replicate the usage of the pushcart system to educate street children. “Now that our work is being recognized, I have actually met a lot of people more than ever from different races and different status in life” he says, “this gave me more opportunities to share our stories and inspire many people—not just to my countrymen but to the rest of the world.”
Pena�lorida supports the alteration and adaptation of the pushcart system in order to improve the operation in respective localities. He considers that groups that duplicate the pushcart system share a similar vision of change for their communities. “I believe what makes the pushcart classroom successful is not just the program itself but it comes with dedicated and determined volunteers who will truly push to make things happen for the welfare of the children, especially the isolated and the deprived” he says. “The duplication of the pushcart school system is due to the efforts of the different groups who took interest in what is happening now in Manila and up to Naga. And we’re receiving emails from other parts of the world of possible replication…Pushcart classrooms can be replicated in the places where they are most needed, like Kenya, Cameroon, Indonesia, Thailand and India. These countries have shown the most interest. It can be modi�ied to �it the needs and condition of the community.” In an effort to facilitate their development, DTC is currently drafting an instruction manual to help replicators successfully deploy the pushcart service to its full potential.
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IN THE PHILIPPINES, effects of Pena�lorida’s international designation as a “hero” would reverberate in national policies involving the improvement of education and the alleviation of poverty. The Aquino Admnistration was rumored to have been exploring the possibility of adopting Pena�lorida’s pushcart system to assist communities with families that face �inancial dif�iculties that may prevent their children from enrolling in schools. Whatever effects his recognition has had, let us hope that this be a wake-up call for politicians and public �igures to genuinely address the state of education in the Philippines as well as the dire circumstances impoverished Filipinos face. “Let’s PUSH for Hope!” Pena�lorida would Tweet a few days after GK’s Hope Ball.
He re�lects upon his experiences thus far—his travels abroad, the things he has learnt, the different cultures and beliefs he has observed, and the countless Filipinos that seem to be everywhere. “I always remind my audience that all people are equal—young and old, rich and poor, men and women of different colors, shapes and sizes. We must see people without prejudice or discrimination,” he says, “we must exhibit love and care for each other as much as we love and care ourselves. I’ve realized that a change-maker’s heart must beat to care for others, his hands must move to help other lives improve and his feet must walk in solidarity with fellow change-makers toward a brighter tomorrow.” I imagine myself walking alongside him one day, helping him push his cart as children rush past us to join the day’s lesson, and already I feel a sense of hope. The reality of it is, “hope” is much heavier and harder to push than one might care to imagine it to be. Still, as he does just this—day in and day out—he must be a lot stronger physically than he’d care to let us know. Be that as it may, I can tell you what his strongest muscle is: it’s his heart.
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Efren Pena�lorida efrenpena�lorida.org
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JOSE ANTONIO VARGAS IS A PULITZER PRIZE-WINNING Filipino American multimedia journalist and �ilmmaker whose documentary on HIV/AIDS, The Other City, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2010. He was part of the Washington Post team that covered the 2007 Virginia Tech massacre, for which he earned a Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Reporting in 2008. Last year, Vargas interviewed the Facebook co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg for The New Yorker, in which he was “granted nearly unprecedented access.” Within 13 years, Vargas has written for the Philadelphia Daily News, San Francisco Chronicle, Rolling Stone, and The Hollywood Reporter, and appeared on several news channels, such as CNN and ABC News. He taught “Storytelling 2.0” at Georgetown University and is an advisory board member for the Knight-Batten Award for Innovations in Journalism at American University. He is currently a senior contributing editor at the Huffington Post.
JOSE ANTONIO VARGAS
VALERIE FRANCISCO
VALERIE FRANCISCO IS A PH.D. CANDIDATE in the sociology program at CUNY, The Graduate Center. Born in the Philippines, she immigrated to the US with part of her family as a youth and her experience of migration and life as an immigrant in the US has framed both her academic and political work. Her academic interests include transnationalism and diaspora with a special interest on the Philippine migration, family, gender and labor, and globalization. Currently, she is working on her dissertation,research with Filipino migrant women working as domestic workers in New York City and their families in the Philippines. Valerie’s organizing and academic work is in constant conversation as her involvment in the Filipino community in New York City in�luences her research topics, methodology and products. Recently, she took part in a collaboration with Kabalikat Domestic Workers Support Network, a program of the Philippine Forum, in Woodside, Queens to write, produce and direct a series of plays about the lives, migration and motherhood of Filipino domestic workers living and working in New York City. She is the founding chairperson of Filipinas for Rights and Empowerment (FiRE) (www.�irenyc.org), a Filipino women’s grass-
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roots organization that works around issues of Filipino immigrant and Filipino American women, like immigration reform, violence against women and children and LGBTQI issues in New York City. She is also the vice chair of mass campaigns for GABRIELA USA, an alliance of progressive Filipino women's organiza- Photography by Peter Mercado tions in the US and chapter of GABRIELA Philippines. She will spend the summer in the Philippines to �inish �ieldwork with families of the domestic workers who participate in her dissertation project in NYC. In the Fall, she will write her dissertation at the University of San Francisco as a dissertation writing fellow for the 2011-2012 academic year.
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NATALIE COUGHLIN
NATALIE COUGHLIN IS A DECORATED SWIMMER who has won a total of 46 medals in several major competitions in World, Pan Paci�ic and Olympic levels. Of Irish and one-quarter Filipino descent, Coughlin began swimming at only 10 months old. Since then, she has become the �irst American female athlete in modern Olympic history to win six medals in one Olympics 2004 Athens Olympics and after the 2008 Beijing Olympics she is considered to be one most decorated female athlete in Olympic history. Still �iercely competing in swimming competitions throughout the world, she is en route to becoming the most
decorated female Olympic athlete of all time with her anticipated participation in the 2012 London Olympics. Coughlin activism and non-pro�it efforts include her participation in the USADA’s Project Believe campaign, which support of clean competition in sporting events, and has made signi�icant donations towards the “Right to Play” foundation.
nataliecoughlin.com
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DANICA MAGPANTAY CHAT ALMARVEZ CHARO RONQUILLO
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EXCEPTIONAL BEAUTIES by Ivan Gonzales
FILIPINA WOMEN HAVE BEEN RECOGNIZED throughout the world for their exotic beauty and distinct Asian-Malay features, and they are now becoming a driving force the international fashion scene. 17-year-old Danica Flores Magpantay was named the 2011 Ford Supermodel of the World, becoming the �irst ever Filipina to win the competition. This came as no surprise for many people who are familiar with the international modeling society—just the previous year 16 year-old Chat Almarvez took second place in the 2010 Ford Supermodel competition leading many to project that it was only a matter of time until a Filipina would take the top spot. What’s more, in 2006, Charo Ronquillo became 2nd runner up in the Ford Supermodel competition at the age of 17-years-old. Ronquillo, who is now 23 years-old, was recently featured in the United Kindom’s version of Vogue Magazine as part of their selection of the “10 Supermodel of the World competition �inalist who are making it big.” All three models were featured on the cover of the June 2011 issue of the Philippine-based fashion magazine Mega. Filipina models are certainly breaking into the international fashion industry with full force as these three in particular are leading the way as they represent famous brands and designers such as Lacoste and Vera Wang, among many others, on catwalks around the world. As the saying goes “the pretty apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”—Magpantay’s mother, Lala Flores, has been a signi�icant in�luence in her young daughter’s modeling career as she herself had represented the Philippines during the 1990 Ford Supermodel of the Year World Finals. “I consider my mom as my role model for she is very passionate. Everything she does �lourishes because she puts her heart into it. I really look up to her,” Magpantay says. Almarvez also attributes her success to her parents: “My parents are my role models because they taught me to be strong and to be con�ident for me to reach my goals in life.”
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As for Ronquillo, she received her early modeling advice from her mother and would later train under the renowned model-maker, Joey Espino: “[Joey] inspired me how to live life as God has planned. He is my idol.” Espino has been an in�luential personality in the Philippines fashion industry throughout the years and is even considered to be one of its founding fathers. As Magpantay, Almarvez, and Ronquillo come to represent the beauty and charm of Filipina women of our generation to the world, they also play a part in transforming the complexion-conscious perspectives of the Philippine culture that have been spurred by modern marketing in Asia—as well as that nagging aunt we all see during family-gatherings that tell us how dark we’ve become since we last saw them.
Their success in the international fashion industry may display the world’s approval of their beauty, but their con�idence and determination speaks volumes about how one ought to view their own God-given beauty. This impression led Sarah Meier, another UniPro Top 30 representative, to comment on this phenomenon: "What they embody as a group communicates a stronger message, conceptually, and de�initely in a visual sense as well. They represent the different "types" of Filipina beauty, which is extremely empowering for the Pinay. The story of [Filipina model’s] consecutive progress [in international competition] is incredible for painting a picture of what the future can hold for our country, not only in fashion, but in whatever industry we penetrate globally." While Magpantay, Almarvez, and Ronquillo are currently conquering the international modeling scene, they remain particularly modest and carefree—its not as if they are looking for power, they just desire to be happy and to make the most out of their careers. They are developing to become admirable and responsible role models for many aspiring models not only in the Philippines but internationally as well. “Right now, I want to walk for big designers in Europe and do more editorials for big fashion magazines,” Almarvez reveals. Ronquillo comments, “My goal is to be happy in everything aspect of my life.” As for the reigning Ford Supermodel of the World, Magpantay tells us, “It is my goal to be able to make the most out of everything I do!”
It is exciting to see what the future holds for these three young models. They are constructing their own meaning of beauty and applying it �lawlessly as they rise to the top of the international fashion scene—and as they do that, they are teaching us how to appreciate ourselves more everyday.
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SPECIAL THANKS TO
Sarah Meier Randy Gonzales Calcarrie’s Modeling Agency
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Timothy Rosado BJ Pascual Glamour Magazine
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TAMARA SUGUITAN
FROILAN MALIT, JR.
THIS GIRL IS TOUGH. You have to be when you are co-hosting a show called “American CageFighter” alongside UFC �ighter Nate Quarry. After getting her start in the North American Mixed Martial Arts Expo in 2007, Tamara Suguitan quickly went to claim the title of “Queen of the Underground” on MixedMartialArts.com. But what caught UniPro’s attention were her activities in female empowerment as spokes-model for “Fight Chix” and her efforts to aid typhoon victims in the Philippines through the non-pro�it organization she co-founded, “Their Fight Is Our Fight” (TFIOF). Using her business-savvy to bridge her work in the Mixed Martial Arts industry to her social activism efforts, Suguitan is working to achieve her long-term goal of giving back to the community with the help of your friendly neighborhood MMA �ighters.
FROILAN KNOWS HOW TO WALK THE TALK. In addition to being a rising academic with high accolades in the �ields of Migrations Studies and Industrial and Labor Relations, Froilan also utilizes his abilities to create impact for communities in the Philippines. As the Founder and President of Global Youth Concept (GYC), a non-pro�it organization based in Pampanga, Philippines, he has been able to implement needed feeding, educational and micro�inance programs in these historically underserved communities. Demonstrating his leadership skills, he has been able to harness the academic and collegial community of his alma-mater, Cornell University for GYC. On top of his various global experiences, published articles and awards, he is also currently pursuing a Master of Science at the prestigious Oxford University in England to be completed by August of 2012.
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MARK WOLFISZ IS THE DIRECTOR of the United Kingdom based organization One Filipino. Wol�isz is a British-born Filipino and is currently pursuing an economic degree at Queen Mary, University of London. After �inishing an internship at the Philippine embassy in London in early 2010, he launched One Filipino Vote (one�ilipinovote.org), an online electoral service for Filipino overseas absentee voters that disseminates information for the 2010 Philippine presidential election. The website was frequented by Filipinos from more 100 countries during the 3-month campaign period prior to elections.
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After the success of One Filipino Vote, he and his business partner Jordan Anthony Magtoto would set in motion the One Filipino organization to help assist UK-based Filipino organizations and businesses. One Filipino also facilitates town hall meetings for Filipino organizations and provides a platform for Filipino and UK businesses to promote their products and services to the Filipino community throughout the UK. Wol�isz plans to reinitiate One Filipino Vote for the upcoming 2013 Philippine mid-term elections this September.
MARK WOLFISZ
D-PRYDE
RUSSELL LLANTINO, ALSO KNOWN AS D-PRYDE, is a writer, rapper and singer signed to Mars Music Group. The 17-year-old has become wildly popular through his use of “freeverse” in his raps and his covers on YouTube has garnered millions of online hits. His mixes and covered were compiled on the 2011 mixtape titled "Once Again: The YouTube Collection". With the support of Mars Music Group, D-Pryde had released his debut mixtape on June 3, 2011.
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BRUNO MARS
KNOWN TO THE REST OF THE WORLD AS BRUNO MARS, Peter Gene Hernandez is a singer-songwriter and music producer extraordinaire. The Honolulu-native’s talent for music was nourished by being constantly surrounded by musicians as he grew up—but we at UniPro would like to think that being of Filipino and Puerto Rican descent must have contributed just a tiny bit. In 2009, Mars signed with Atlantic Records where he became a recognized solo artist after lending his vocals and writing skills to produce well known hooks to radio hits such as "Nothin' on You" by B.o.B. and "Billionaire" by Travie McCoy. In October 2010, he released his debut album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans which earned the number-three spot on the Billboard 200 album chart. At the 53rd Grammy Awards, Mars was nominated for seven Grammys and won Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for "Just the Way You Are."
JASON DAY
AFTER WINNING THE GREEN JACKET at the NEC Master of the Amateurs in July 2006, Jason Day began playing PGA Tour events as a professional. He won his �irst Nationwide Tour even a year later at the Legend Financial Group Classing, becoming the youngest man to win on any of the PGA Tour's three tours. In May 2010 won the HP Byron Nelson Championship and became the youngest Australian to win a PGA Tour event. But Day's best performance occurred at the 2011 Masters Tournament where he tied for second with Adam Scott at -12 the Masters record for the lowest score by a �irst time participant.
CHARICE PEMPENGCO
WHILE PEMPENGCO IS POPULARLY KNOWN AS CHARICE, she is an accomplished recording artist and actress who rose to popularity through YouTube and was later dubbed by Oprah Winfrey as Most Talented Girl in the World. Her �irst international studio album Charice released in 2010 which hit number-eight on the Billboard 200 album chart. She is the �irst Asian and Filipino singer in history to land in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 album chart. She has also guest starred on the hit TV series Glee, as the lovable Sunshine Corazon.
NONITO DONAIRE, JR.
NONITO DONAIRE, JR IS A FILIPINO AMERICAN PROFESSIONAL BOXER known in the ring as “The Filipino Flash.” Hailing from Bohol, Philippines, Donaire is a three-division world champion with �ive world titles under his belt. He is considered the number four pound-for-pound boxer in the world, and is currently the World Boxing Organization and the World Boxing Council Bantamweight World Champion. He is also the reigning Flyweight Champion of the International Boxing Federation and the International Boxing Organization.
ANGEL LOCSIN
MOVIES, TELEVISION AND BILLBOARDS -you might run into Angel Locsin’s image a few times a day in Manila. She’s an obvious bright star in Philippine entertainment, but what makes her shine brighter is the community advocacy initiatives she makes time for. Angel has worked with numerous organizations where she has both lent her star-power and has done her own community immersions. She’s been involved with the Children’s Rehabilitation Center, SUARA Bangsamoro, along with In Peace Mindinao; and has also publicly spoke out in favor for the political campaigns of GABRIELA Partylist, in which she stays as a strong supporter for their initiatives. Angel Locsin serves as a great example of achieving personal success, but not forgetting one’s obligation for understanding and serving the greater community.
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