Nang Maghalo ang Balat sa Tinalupan

Nang Maghalo ang Balat sa Tinalupan from Illustrado

I miss my friends. Yung mga naiwan ko sa Pilipinas. Yung mga nakakasama kong mag-shopping sa Greenhills at Divisoria, lalo na kapag may Midnight Madness Sale sa mga mall. Yung palagi kong nakakaladkad sa parlor, sa sinehan, sa peryahan, pati sa cutting classes. Yung mga nakaka-telebabad at ka-text ko miski anong oras. Yung kinikilig kapag kinukwentuhan ko ng mga crush ko, mga naiiyakan ko kapag sawi ako sa lovelife ko. It’s a pity that we had to part ways. Some got married na and are raising kids now. Yung iba naman busy sa kanilang mga lovelife at careers. Ako naman eto, dakilang bagong bayani ng bayan – nagsasakripisyo para sa pamilya at kinabukasan kaya’t malayo sa piling nila.


It’s hard to find true friends nowadays. Mahirap makahanap ng mga taong makakaintindi sa yo and who will accept you for who you are. Syempre dapat pareho kayo ng taste – sa damit, sa sapatos, sa music, sa pelikula, sa lalake, pati sa paboritong artista. Kapag maka-Kimerald ka natural hindi kayo magkakasundo ng mga DongYan fans. Tamo mga Vilmanians, hindi pwedeng makipag-bonding sa mga Noranians. A Kapamilya will never like a Kapuso. Gets mo? Si Manny Pacman lang yata ang pwedeng mag-unite sa ating mga Pinoy eh. Teka, I degrees.


Hindi kasi ako madaling magkaroon ng friends. Ewan ko ba, pero mas madaming may ayaw sa akin kesa sa may gusto – feeling ko ha? Eh kasi kakaiba daw ako – weirdo, loud at eccentric. Yan ang madalas na first impression sa akin. Eh di ba first impression is last? Kaya siguro kokonti lang ang lumalapit sa akin – hindi man lang nila ako binibigyan ng benefit of the daw. Kasalanan ko ba na istariray ako? Pinalaki kasi ako ng mga magulang ko na huwag magpapa-api. Dapat daw sa classroom, sa harapan ako lagi uupo. Kapag may gusto akong sabihin dapat daw isigaw ko para siguradong maririnig ako. At hindi raw dapat lahat ng uso eh sundin ko, dapat daw eh magkaroon ako ng self identity. Yan ang mga pabilin sa akin nina Nanay at Tatay. Kaya siguro ganito ako ka-confidence. I believe in self expression, individualism and originality. Ayoko maging back up singer lang, dapat ako ang laging bida – parang si Beyonce, si Nicole Scherzinger… si Kuh Ledesma! Wala naman sigurong masama to aspire to be the best, di ba? Well kanya-kanya yan – whatever rocks your vote, makes no difference who you are. Yun na!


Kaya naman blessing in the sky for me when I met my BFF Sheila. First time ko pa lang sya nakilala sa office magaan na loob ko sa kanya. Pareho kasi ng costume sa Halloween Party namin noon. Habang lahat eh naka-witch at vampire outfits eh namukod-tangi kaming dalawa sa suot naming Lady Gaga costumes. Biruin mo, sino ang mag-aakala na merong ibang kayang maglakas-loob magsuot ng ganun bukod sa akin? Sabi ko, “Ay, chica tong gurlash na itich! Winner!” Nang sumuot ako sa isang gusot, sya lang ang nagtanggol sa akin. Mula noon, sabay na kami mag-lunch, magsimba sa St. Mary’s, mag-marathon sa panonood ng “Glee” at “Magkaribal”, mag-window shopping sa Louis Vuitton, mag-panic buying sa Outlet Mall, gumimik sa Chika Grill at kumain ng okoy sa Delmon. I also introduced her to my suking parlor, my flatmates, my carlift and to my significant other… si Adam my love.


Sarap ng feeling nang muli akong magkaroon ng confidante, alliance at partner in crime. Para akong nagkaroon ng instant kakambal – kasi pati sa pananamit madalas eh pareho kami ng outfits. Pati mga expression ko bukambibig na rin nya all of a suddenly. Finally, someone that understands me and accepts me for what I am – my new BFF! Kaya magmula noon I shared na my life with her, lalo na kapag dumarating at lumalabas kami ni Adam, sya ang third wheel all of the time. Pero just like in the movies, I soon discovered na Three is a Crowd pala.


Kamakailan lang ay nakigamit ng laptop si BFF. Nang matapos mag-internet ay nagpaalam sya at umuwi na. Nang gamitin ko ang laptop, naiwan nyang naka-log in ito sa Fezbook account nya. Bago ako mag-log out, nabasa ko ang info sa kanyang account. Name: Sheila May Smith??? Relationship Status: Married??? At eto na: In a Relationship with Adam Smith???!!! Teka, pangalan ng jowa ko yun ah! Anu itu??? Hindi naman ito yung Fezbook account ni BFF Sheila ah? So right there and them, nadiskubre kong may secret second account ang hitad. Binasa ko yung ibang info… Activities: shopping, eating, shopping, eating… Interests: fashion, movies, boys… Music: Madonna, Lady Gaga, Sharon Cuneta… Books: Macbook… Movies: Titanic, The Notebook, Temptation Island…Television: Sex & The City, Glee, Magkaribal… Hmmmm. Teka, bakit pareho lahat ng sa akin toh? Click sa Photos… Natulala ako sa mga nakita ko. Aba, puro mga pictures ni BFF Sheila at Adam – actually kilala ko yung mga pictures na yun eh – kasama talaga ako dun sa mga pictures pero na-crop na bigla sa Photoshop!!! Tapos yung mga solo shots nya puro mga damit ko ang suot nya… aba pati yung profile pic nya, kapareho ng hairstyle ko tsaka damit ko…Oh-Em-Gee, ginagaya nya ako! Stroker!!!


Tapos binuksan ko yung mga messages nya. Sa Sent Messages, puro kay Adam lahat! Binasa ko ang isa: “ Hi honey, how r u? Wen r u going 2 b bak hir in Dubai? Miss u much. I-T-A-L-Y. =) Mwuah!”


P*^%$#@%#*&^!!! Ang kapal ng fez! Nanginig ako…


Continue reading: http://goo.gl/FV6eXv

Journey to the Crater

Journey to the Crater

Story by Karen 

Bolilia Photography: Filbert Kung & Glenn Peter Perez of Blackfox Photography
Styling: Mike de Guzman & George Palmiano (MGP)
Hair & Makeup: Nanan Villaba
Model: Carlo Ian Adorador

DON’T GO TO PINATUBO.

Don’t go if you’re expecting a run-of-the-mill tourist experience. Don’t go if you don’t want your endurance and patience tested with muscle cramps during the long hard trek. Don’t go if you think it isn’t going to take you at least half a day to actually get to your destination.

But hey, here’s another don’t: don’t knock it until you try it.

It’s been almost 20 years since the most significant geological event of the 20th century, Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption, and along with it came a decade’s worth of substantial environmental collateral damage. But perhaps, what nature has taken away, it gives back through breathtaking landscapes, covered in Mt. Pinatubo’s ashes – majestic, postcard-perfect deserted lands clawing their way back to life, rugged, raw, and determined.  Under the heat of the summer sun, the scenery is bursting with the hopeful hues of ‘feast-your-eyes-on-this’ kind of promise.

If you were to explore this promise, you might as well do it the right way.

On all fours

We were ushered into the first leg of our Pinatubo adventure by rugged 4×4 trucks. Travel Factor’s use of the hardwearing vehicle provided an intimidating yet accessible ride.  The 4×4, a master of all terrains that seemed to recognize the topography like an old friend. Once you get over the mandatory jolt, thump and crash, it’s unlike any other terrestrial transportation you’ve ever been on. It’s the ultimate compromise between the tourist and the adrenaline junkie, which appeases both the sightseeing and the thrill-seeking requisites of the trip.

Sheer printed top and harem pants, both by Gerry Katigbak; leopard-printed shawl by Tango; silver chain necklace, dried waterlily sandals and striped blue shawl used as waist wrap, all by AC+632; silver cuff and red Ifugao band, both by Tesoro’s

At our truck stop mid-way, we were able to admire the beauty on standstill; untapped and wild. 

 Here, one can’t help but be in awe. Some of the locals may have already pegged us as peculiar, for taking photos in a place they consider merely as home. Halfway through our journey, we encountered an incline, a treacherously steep one, and even before we could weigh in on the odds that our trucks won’t plummet downwards, we were back on our seats, moving towards the aptly named route, the Skyway.

It was a one-way alley that could only fit one truck, sandwiched between elevated plateaus. The repetitive uphill-downhill movement makes one think that the excavated road is limitless or maybe a result of some paranormal activity where you just keep going back to where you came from. It could be that the ashes had obstructed a portion of our vision, but doubt inevitably creeps in when, for over 25 minutes, there was you, your companions, and your truck-against the vast territories of nature, impeded by the limits of the human senses. Thankfully, the endlessness did have an end.

 

Denim pants by Jeffrey Rogador; skeletal necklace and tusk necklace, both by OS Accessories by AJ Omandac; brown leopard-printed shawl  and brown braided belt, both by Tango; leopard-spotted scarf by AC+632; black native bracelet by Edmir Lagui at Bobon; wooden clasp bracelet by Tina Bonoan at Firma

But Pinatubo isn’t just about to let you get away with it so easily. 

After lahar composites clung all over your body, and you’ve adapted to the robust springing up and down (and even sideways), you leave the ‘comforts’ of that hour-long ride, to stand on your own two feet, and embark on a Trek to Remember.

Trek-wrecked

Once you begin on the (supposedly) hour-long hike to the crater of Mt. Pinatubo, a very strange thing happens. The concept of time, communication and technology gets left behind in the truck – all those 21st century appendages we’ve come to identify ourselves with are well, gone.

 

Ten minutes turn into 30, and time seemed as boundless as ever, as you tread the tumultuous terrain. The absence of any network reception was unnerving at first – but with it came the price of unadulterated liberty – the strange feeling of willingness to disconnect from the entire world, even for just 11 hours. It was as if Pinatubo held us all hostage, keeping us in a bubble where only a few things mattered, but there was no ransom – you were your only way out.

The arrest, though, is a gift that kept giving. But Mt. Pinatubo heeded a two-way relationship, in which you’d have to give something back, too. In this case, it was every fiber, every inch of muscle in your body, fighting their way through all kinds of rocks, altitudes, formations and slopes; and with every trickle of sweat came the reward of getting closer to the destination, the pinnacle and purpose of the entire journey in the very first place.

It takes at least another hour of treading rocks, mud, water, and the possible serpent cameo to get to Mt. Pinatubo’s crater, and on its last stretch, a strenuous path that resembles a staircase posed as the last roadblock to victory. “You’re getting closer when you start seeing the sun,” one of the tour guides said. And as we begin to see prickly shafts of light streaming through the leaves, we knew it. “It” wasn’t some abstract concept, a sun-induced delusion, or a figment of our imagination that we’ve been trying to reach for hours, it was here. It was now.

 

The sum is crater than its parts

The sun hit the mountains around the crater perfectly, creating contours and shadows that highlighted its best assets: the ash-filled tops resembling the Alps, and the lake that designated itself as the queen bee attraction of Mt. Pinatubo. For a moment, the pain and dehydration cease to bother, as you gasp and marvel at the majesty of it all. And there it is: the proof of your burden in all its glory, generous in its charm and allure – Mt. Pinatubo’s invincible crater, something so stunning beyond human comprehension. It was daunting to see something so potentially destructive that serene, like it could do no wrong.

Pink tribal printed barong, carved wooden idol mask used as necklace, both by Tesoro’s; wooden choker and wooden bracelet, both by Tina Bonoan at Firma; silver coin ring and dried waterlily sandals, both by AC+632; leopard-printed shawl by Tango; corded belt by George Palmiano; dropped-crotch pants by Gerry Katigbak

Choirs of angels seemed to ring in my ears as I took the final steps back to our 4×4 truck.  

Parched and nearing fatigue, I tried to recall how we all ended up looking like we had such a dreary predicament (that was only partially true). Our journey began in Capas, Tarlac, by a security checkpoint called “Garden of Eden.” Little did we know, the noncommittal biblical reference was every bit prophetic, and with surprising accuracy.

So here’s something you hear often: if there’s anything we humans can’t resist, it is trying something for the first time – even going as far as wandering through that Garden of Eden.

Conquer Mt. Pinatubo through Travel Factor

Travel Factor has been providing accessible adventure tours since 2006, and with its current lineup of Surfvivor, Dive, Backpacking, Foodtrip, Photoholic and Conquer, one is provided maximum adventure through maximum variety. The Mt. Pinatubo Conquer adventure begins in Capas, Tarlac, and covers all bases, including roundtrip van transfers, 4×4 vehicles, and local guides – ensuring that the only fuss you’re left to worry about are the clothes off your back, the contents of your backpack, and the physical limits you’re willing to overcome during your excursion. For more information e-mail tours@travelfactor.org or phone Team TF at +632-746 5119, +632-964 2527, +63917-847 5341. Also check-out thetravelfactor.wordpress.com

SHOPPING GUIDE:

AC+632 – Greenbelt 5, Makati City
Edmir Lagui at Bobon – Markatti Palazzo at The Podium, Ortigas
Firma – Greenbelt 3, Makati
George Palmiano – +63 917 351 8646
Gerry Katigbak – +63 918 941 7189
Jeffrey Rogador – +63 917 208 0227
Nico Agustin - +63 916 259 9945
OS Accessories by AJ Omandac – +63 916 209 5872
Tango – Glorietta 3, Makati
Tesoro’s – Arnaiz Ave., Makati City
Terranova – SM Mall of Asia, Manila
Tina Bonoan at Firma – Greenbelt 3, Makati
Traffic – SM Mall of Asia
Ulysses King at Bobon – Markatti Palazzo at The Podium, Ortigas

 

Dubai Traffic: Expect The Unexpected

via Illustrado Life Community

By: Atty Barney Almazar

Don’t drive in Dubai unprepared. Most inexperienced drivers in Dubai find themselves burdened with additional requirements and legislation. With drivers from different countries and local driving styles, you need to expect the unexpected.

Obtaining a UAE Driver’s License

Only those on a tourist visa can drive using an international driver’s license. Once you’ve secured  your residence visa, you will need to obtain a driver’s license from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

According to Article 51 of Federal Law No. 21 of 1995 as amended by Federal Law No.12 of 2007, a person driving without a valid license or driving a vehicle not specified in the vehicle category of his license may be sentenced to jail for a maximum term of 3 months and or fined. In certain cases, violators are banned from driving in the UAE.

Unfortunately, holders of a Philippine license are not allowed to transfer or exchange their valid license to a UAE license. They must take and pass a theory and practical driving test after completing 20 lessons for those driving for more than 5 years, or 40 lessons for beginners or with less than 5 years driving experience from an authorized driving school.

You should carry your license when driving. If you fail to produce your driving license during a spot check or road accident, you run the risk of being sent to court and have your car impounded. The fine is AED100 which can be reduced if you can take your license to the police within 24 hours.

Black Points

The Traffic Police deals with violations of traffic offenses and fines enforced by the RTA. In addition to fines, a certain number of black points will be issued against your license for a particular violation such as illegal parking, over speeding, non-renewal of vehicle registration. For instance, if you put a child below 10 years of age in the front seat, you will get 4 black points.  If the number of your black points exceeds 24, you will be banned from driving any vehicle for a year. Take note of the following essential rules of the road:

• The driver and front passengers must wear seatbelts.
• Do not jump red lights.
• There is zero tolerance on driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
• Do not use your mobile phone while driving.
• Park properly and observe time limits. The fine for illegal parking is AED200, while exceeding time limit is AED150.
• Vehicle registration card must be in your possession while driving.
• Observe speed limits which are clearly indicated on signs. You will be fined for over speeding as well as driving below the minimum speed limit. There are fixed and mobile radar traps to catch unwary violators.
• Always give way to pedestrian.
• Maintain your car in good condition. You will be fined if your lights are broken.
• Always keep your cool. Never make any kind of gestures even if someone cuts you up on the road.
• Do not exceed maximum seating capacity of your vehicle.
• You must get a Salik tag for your car. You will be fined if you pass a toll with no Salik tag or credit on your account

Road Accidents

If you are involved in a road accident, you must call the police on 999 and await their arrival. You and the other driver will be asked to produce your respective licenses and car registrations. The police will do their investigation and determine who is at fault. If you receive a pink slip, it means you are at fault. On the other hand, a green slip means you are not at fault.

It is important to report an accident as car repair shops are forbidden to repair any damage, even a minor one, without a police report. Moreover, your insurance will likewise need the report when you claim for compensation.

If the accident involves injuries, loss of life, or driving under the influence of alcohol, the police may arrest the offender and recommend a filing of a case with the public prosecutor.

Paying Fines

To find out if you have been fined, you will need to visit the RTA eServices website (www.rta.gov.ae) fines inquiry and payment portal. You would usually receive a notification by SMS from the authorities within 24 hours of being fined.

Before renewing your vehicle registration or driving license, you will need to clear all outstanding fines plus overdue penalty charges that are logged under your car plate and license.

2103 statistics show that more than 100 people died and about 800 others were injured in road accidents, most of which are caused by motorists driving at excessive speed, beating the red light and not giving way to pedestrians.

Always drive within the law not only because you will be fined but also to watch over your other road users’ safety.

Great Filipinos: Our Heroes, Our Models

via Illustrado Magazine

By: Ambassador Grace Relucio-Princesa

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines chose the following theme for the 2014 116th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence: “ Pagsunod sa Yapak ng mga Dakilang Pilipino, Tungo sa Malawakan at Permanenteng Pagbabago.” In English, it reads: “ Following the Footsteps of Great Filipinos Toward Permanent and Widespread Change. “

Indeed, our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, who chose to give his life for our country leads the list of our hero and models. As a migrant student, he wrote about the social ills of our society then and incurred the ire of the powers that be that led to his early demise. The Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo must be readings for us Filipinos and our friends.

Gat Andres Bonifacio , likewise, shed his blood for the cause of our Independence from the country’s  colonizers. His wife, Gregoria de Jesus, was a strong woman, and with other women, were supporters of their husbands,  during our early years of struggle against the yoke of tyranny. His symbolic tearing of the cedula is forever remembered in his Caloocan monument, a place fondly and aptly called Monumento.

The first president of the revolutionary Philippine government, Emilio Aguinaldo, raised the Philippine flag , a labor of love by three great  Filipina women, namely, Dona Marcela Agoncillo, Lorenza  Agoncillo and Delfina Herbosa.

The paralytic, Apolinario Mabini, our first Secretary of Foreign Affairs, printed a pamphlet called, “The True  Decalogue”, a basic documentation for the programs pertinent to the then revolutionary government.

Tandang Sora is a place in Quezon City that is named after 84-year old  revolutionary  Melchora  Aquino de Ramos. She became known by her aforementioned name because of her age when the Philippine Revolution broke out in 1896.

Gomburza or Fathers Gomez, Burgos and Zamora is a sculpture that inspires in the garden of one of the churches in the University of the Philippines. They are three Filipino priests who gave their lives for the cause of independence from the colonizers.

The power couple, Diego Silang, a datu who was replaced by his Babaylan wife, Gabriela , in the struggle for freedom are , also, an inspiration.

Nearer my age in our recent history, Ninoy Aquino’s legacy and famous words, “The Filipino is worth dying for “ resonates in my heart and mind. His death gave life to our nation.

Another role model is the man who dreamed the impossible dream, Evelio Javier, of Antique.

Nowadays, I only have to see the Overseas Filipinos and their families to remember the heroism of our great ancestors/heroes and role models.

At so much cost to life and limb, they venture out to care for their loved ones’ needs and indirectly help our beloved country.

We appreciate and salute what you are doing. We pray that the Philippine leadership, will likewise, emulate the sacrifices of our great Filipinos and thus, make it easier for Filipinos to migrate out of choice, not out of necessity .

Together, in the spirit of bayanihan (collective heroism for a common cause or common causes that we identify) we can work together and become  greater.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas. Mabuhay tayong lahat.

Spotlight on Filipino Abroad Who Make Us Proud

The Illustrados formed  the middle class during the Spanish period who could have foreshadowed the Filipino expats of today.  Think of Filipino heroes Jose Rizal, Marcelo del Pilar, Graciano Lopez Jaena or Mariano Ponce as the early illustrados whose stay abroad made their native land proud.  They were the key figures in the growth of Filipino nationalism and the fostering of pride in the Filipino race.

images: Wikipedia

 
In that sense, they live to this day and age. There are over 11 million Filipino expats or OFWs scattered in all parts of the globe that have for the most part assimilated beautifully into their adopted countries. They have successfully improved not only their quality of life but also that of their family back home. They have created a sensation in their chosen professions abroad and made the world sit up and notice. They make the Philippines proud.  


It is these Filipino expats and their triumphs abroad that are featured in Illuustrado Magazine on a regular basis. Contributors to the magazine focus on uplifting the image of Filipinos abroad and presenting world-class expatriates who are making a difference in their adopted countries. “Taas Noo, Pilipino” is the overall theme as the OFW success stories bid to raise the morale and image of the Filipino in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the rest of the world.  All to provide discerning readers a renewed sense of pride in their race.

image: www.pinoy-ofw.com

One example of the articles celebrated in the magazine is the story and accomplishments of Michael Cinco.  Michael Cinco  is a Filipino fashion designer based in Dubai who has worked with supermodels Tyra Banks and Naomi Campbell. His creations have been worn by celebrities like Sofia Vergara, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Chris Brown, Fergie, Paris Hilton, Dita Von Teese,Mischa Barton among others. His eco-couture collection was featured in the America's Next Top Model.  In the Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2012, he launched his scent Impalpable Dream, the latest fragrance of the Bench Designer Scents Collection. Cinco's achievements have been recognized by the Asian Couture Federation and in 2013 the title of “Asian Couturier Extraordinaire” was conferred upon him.

images: asianjournal.com

 Another is Dr. Rosario Tigno, the first doctor from the Philippines to practice in the United Arab Emirates.  Filipinos in Dubai refer to her as a medical beacon within the Filipino community and a doctor-at-large who is always on call whenever needed, exemplifying the bravery, industry and zeal of the Filipino migrant.  Tigno was born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur and was able to fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor by obtaining her medical degree from Manila Central University in 1972.  She worked for four years in several hospitals in Iran before going back to the Philippines and practicing medicine for more than 13 years. An opportunity came for her to be able to work again in Dubai.  In 1992, she gained the distinction of being the first Filipino doctor to be issued a license by the Department of Health and Medical Services of Dubai. Since then, she has devoted herself to helping Filipinos there, especially the underprivileged. 

Working and living outside your home country can be one of the most exciting and enriching experiences of your life, but also one of the most challenging. According to government data, there are more than 11 million overseas Filipinos worldwide, which is about 11 percent of the total population of the Philippines. Overseas Filipinos are typically known to be as doctors, nurses, accountants, IT professionals, engineers and architects, entertainers, technicians, teachers, military servicemen, students, and domestic helpers. Illustrado is a unique lifestyle-community magazine published devoted to uplifting the morale and spirit and image of these Filipinos anywhere in the world.  It has put together an A-1 team of contributing writers, photographers and artists spread across the Philippines, the UAE, including Southeast Asia, the US and Europe --- all of whom share the same passion towards the OFWs and the Filipino diaspora.